Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is under intense pressure after his side’s frequent rotation policy was scrutinized following a chaotic 2-2 draw against Champions League minnows Qarabag in Azerbaijan.
The Blues, with a squad worth over £1 billion, were rescued by a second-half equaliser from substitute Alejandro Garnacho after mistakes from defender Jorrel Hato allowed the £22m Qarabag side to take a shock lead.
Maresca made at least seven changes for the fifth consecutive match. Chelsea leads the Premier League with 85 changes in 16 games this season, leading to the “tinkerman” label.
Critics argue the constant changes are the cause of Chelsea’s poor form against lesser opposition, despite a recent win over Tottenham.
The manager defended his approach, citing the need for “load management” and recovery for key players like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo following last season’s extended schedule.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia pulled up after just four minutes, raising “real concerns” about the £53m signing’s long-term fitness, as he has missed 87 games since joining the club.
European football expert Julien Laurens suggested the extreme rotation “does not look good” and is ill-suited for the dual demands of Champions League and Premier League football.
