“We are in an era when anyone can say what they want” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hits back at criticism from Wayne Rooney

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has hit back at Wayne Rooney for his comments on his constant rotation for games this season. The Italian tactician's rotation policy was widely blamed for his side's uninspiring 2-2 draw against Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League in mid-week.

Maresca faced the press at Chelsea's training ground ahead of their English Premier League meeting with Wolves on Saturday. The former Leicester City boss defended his policy following direct criticism from Rooney, pointing out that his young players need to play to learn and improve.

"I said already many times: we are in an era when anyone can say what they want. I said after the Qarabag game: since I joined the club, it is also my view to rotate players. When you don't win games, nobody agrees. When it's Andrey Santos, Brazil international, Jorrel Hato, Netherlands international, Joao Pedro, Brazil international - it's not about rotation. They are young, you have to give them the chances to make mistakes so they can become better", he said (via football.london).

Wayne Rooney called for Chelsea's senior players to have a conversation with Maresca over his penchant for chopping and changing due to its danger to squad growth. He pointed out that the players would be unable to build relationships on the pitch unless they are allowed to play together more regularly.

Enzo Maresca has revealed in the past that his side's success in the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer has contributed to their need for rotation. They are currently without Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, two of their most important players, through injury, and he is keen to avoid further injuries to key players.

Maresca has made 85 changes to his starting XI in 16 games across all competitions since the start of the 2025-26 season, more than any Premier League side this season. He made seven changes against Qarabag, making it the fifth successive game in which he made seven or more changes to the starting XI.

Chelsea boss opens up on Romeo Lavia injury struggles

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has shared his thoughts on the struggles of midfielder Romeo Lavia with injuries since his arrival at the club. The Belgium international was forced off inside seven minutes in Baku on Wednesday as his side faced Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag.

Maresca answered questions on the status of the 21-year-old ahead of the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge. He expressed his disappointment at the situation, pointing out that he does not intend to give up on the young midfielder despite his struggles.

"We don't have an update at the moment. We need to wait some hours for all of the checks he needs. At the moment, he is injured. He is in pain - we need to do all the checks. It's a shame. It's a shame in this moment because we were trying to minimise minutes for him but even with that, he's injured again. We need to insist until we find the right solution", he said (via football.london).

Romeo Lavia has struggled for fitness this season, playing seven times for Chelsea across all competitions. The former Southampton man suffered a muscular problem against Qarabag, and is expected to be out for a significant spell of time.