Coach made seven changes for Champions League game
Board support giving younger players more exposure
Chelsea are fully supportive of Enzo Maresca’s recruitment and rotation strategy and had no issue with the head coach making seven changes for Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Qarabag.
Although the result left Maresca facing questions over his starting XI, the Italian left Baku knowing he retains the firm backing of Chelsea’s leadership.
The Premier League club have amassed a deep, talented squad to compete in four major competitions and feel that regular game time is the only way to keep players fresh during a long and draining season. It is understood there is no sense within Chelsea that Maresca gambled with his selection against Qarabag, rather that he has implemented a smart policy during the past two seasons that will aid player availability in the long run.
