again, probably we can be more clinical in their box, for the amount of times we were there.”
Maresca’s approach to managing his squad has been particularly criticized due to Chelsea’s inconsistency in recent weeks. The Italian manager is trying to balance keeping players fresh with ensuring they are at their best when it matters most.
Champions League vs Premier League Demands
The constant rotation of players has raised questions about whether Maresca’s strategy can work across multiple competitions, such as the Champions League and Premier League. According to football analyst Julien Laurens, “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 that competing at this level requires different dynamics compared to lower-stakes matches.
Chelsea’s struggles against Qarabag, a team worth just £22 million and less than £1 million per player, have added further pressure on Maresca. The Blues were particularly poor in the first half, struggling to maintain their lead despite having a squad worth over £1 billion. Maresca admitted that his decision to rest key players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto was partly motivated by their need for recovery after last season’s intense schedule.
Long-Term Fitness Concerns
The frequent changes have also led to concerns about the long-term fitness of key players. For instance, Joelinton, a £53 million signing from Southampton in 2023, has been plagued by injuries and has missed 87 matches since joining Chelsea. Maresca’s strategy is further complicated by the presence of young players like Jorrel Hato who struggled against Qarabag despite some Champions League experience.
Despite these challenges, Maresca remains committed to his approach. “We try to rotate when we win,” he said.
However, with rivals like Tottenham and Arsenal managing their squads more consistently, the pressure on Chelsea’s manager is mounting. “It explains Chelsea’s inconsistency this season,” Laurens concluded.
As Chelsea prepares for upcoming matches in both competitions, the debate over rotation strategy will continue. Whether Maresca can adapt his approach to suit all the demands of European football remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Blues’ recent form suggests a reevaluation might be necessary.
