Maresca Defends Chelsea Squad Rotation After 3–1 Loss to Leeds

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has insisted that rotating his squad was unavoidable as he addressed concerns following the team’s 3–1 defeat to Leeds United on Wednesday.

The midweek loss at Elland Road dealt a blow to the Blues, who remain fourth in the Premier League, nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

“We did many things bad,” Maresca admitted. “Probably we also paid the bill for playing one hour with 10 players against Arsenal.”

The Italian, who has faced previous criticism for frequently altering his lineup, made five changes for the clash with Leeds. Wesley Fofana missed out entirely, Moises Caicedo was unavailable due to suspension, and Malo Gusto, captain Reece James, and winger Pedro Neto all started on the bench.

According to Maresca, the selections were dictated by fitness and circumstance.

“Most of the rotation we do is because the other one they cannot play,” he explained. “So we have players in this moment not able to play every three days.

“And the reason why we have done most of the rotation in the past is for this reason.

“It’s always the same thing — when you pick 11 players and you win it’s fine. When you pick 11 players and you don’t win, it’s always the reason why.”

Reflecting on the schedule, he added: “For sure, playing with 10 players for one hour (in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal) then going to Leeds is not the best situation for us.”

Ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, Maresca was asked whether his youthful squad needed more experience.

“We always talk about experience when we drop points but when we beat Barcelona and drew against Arsenal, no one was mentioning about experienced players,” he said.

He concluded: “I know that we are always looking for experience but it was a bad game (at Leeds) for all of us.”

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