Wayne Rooney has urged Chelsea's senior players to raise concerns over Enzo Maresca's heavy rotation policy. The former Manchester United captain said the frequent changes are harming cohesion and that experienced squad members, including captain Reece James, should question selection decisions when necessary.
Maresca made seven alterations to his starting lineup for Chelsea's 2-2 Champions League draw with Qarabag, the fifth straight match in which he made at least seven changes. Rooney said on his podcast that constant chopping and changing prevents players from building relationships and from finding consistent form. He added that rotation can be tolerated when results are positive, but becomes a problem if performances dip.
Rooney argued this is a matter for the club's leadership group rather than a demonstration of player power. He said senior players must speak up among themselves and to the manager if they feel selection patterns are damaging morale and team unity.
Chelsea have made 85 starting XI changes in 16 matches this season, by far the most in the Premier League. Maresca defended his approach after the Qarabag game, explaining the need to rest key players such as M
