Chelsea's Rotation Policy Under Scrutiny After Qarabag Draw

Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, is facing increasing scrutiny over his extensive squad rotation policy after the Blues narrowly avoided defeat against Qarabag in the Champions League. A 2-2 draw in Baku, secured by a second-half equaliser from substitute Alejandro Garnacho, has amplified concerns about the team's consistency and whether the constant changes are hindering performance.

Eighty-Five Changes in Sixteen Games

Maresca has made a staggering 85 changes to his starting line-up across 16 matches in all competitions this season – more than any other Premier League club. This trend continued against Qarabag, with only four players – goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, full-backs Reece James and Marc Cucurella, and forward Joao Pedro – retaining their places from the impressive 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur just days earlier. The frequent alterations have led to questions about team cohesion and the ability of players to build understanding on the pitch.

Qarabag, whose entire squad is valued at significantly less than a single Chelsea player, took a shock lead after Estevao Willian's opener, exposing defensive frailties and prompting further criticism of Maresca's selection choices. Errors from defender Jorrel Hato contributed to Qarabag's goals, highlighting the potential risks of fielding an unfamiliar backline.

Maresca Defends His Approach

Despite the growing criticism, Maresca has defended his rotation policy, arguing that it is necessary to manage player fitness and provide opportunities for the entire squad. "When we make changes it is because we think the plan with the players that start is the correct one," he stated after the Qarabag match. "Every game is a chance for all of them to show the reason why they are here."

He also cited the demanding schedule, exacerbated by Chelsea's participation in the Club World Cup last season, as a key factor influencing his decisions. "We have players, the intention tonight was to rest Enzo [Fernandez], to rest Moises [Caicedo], to rest Malo [Gusto], to rest more players, because they are not able to play every three days," Maresca explained.

Inconsistency and the "Tinkerman" Tag

The constant rotation has drawn comparisons to Claudio Ranieri, who was labelled the "Tinkerman" during his time at Chelsea for his frequent changes. Critics argue that the lack of a settled team is contributing to Chelsea's inconsistency, with the team struggling to replicate their performances against top opposition when facing supposedly weaker sides.

Injuries to key players like Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have further complicated matters for Maresca, forcing him to rely on younger, less experienced players. The performances of youngsters like Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George, and Andrey Santos against Qarabag were underwhelming, raising concerns about their readiness for Champions League football.

Expert Analysis: Julien Laurens Weighs In

European football expert Julien Laurens, speaking on Champions League Match of the Day, questioned the sustainability of Chelsea's rotation policy in the Champions League. "All the changes worked for them last season but I think tonight showed they can't expect to do it when they are in the Champions League."

Laurens highlighted the difference between competing in the Champions League and a competition like the Conference League, where teams can often afford to field weaker line-ups. He added, "Doing it and competing in a Champions League and Premier League combo is very different to doing it in a season where you are playing in the Conference League, when you can easily win with your B team."

He also drew comparisons with other top managers, noting that "even Pep Guardiola doesn't make so many changes, or [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta either, even with a much deeper and more experienced squad." Laurens concluded that Chelsea's inconsistency is directly linked to Maresca's extensive rotation, suggesting that a more settled team would improve their overall performance.

The Lavia Conundrum

Adding to Maresca's woes, midfielder Romeo Lavia, signed for £53 million in 2023, suffered another injury against Qarabag, lasting just four minutes before being substituted. Lavia's persistent injury problems have limited him to just 29 appearances for Chelsea, and he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club. His long-term fitness remains a major concern.

Looking Ahead

As Chelsea prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture, Maresca faces a crucial decision: continue with his rotation policy, risking further inconsistency, or prioritize building a more settled team to improve cohesion and stability. The pressure is mounting on the Italian manager to find the right balance and deliver consistent results.