Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has urged Chelsea’s senior players to “question” manager Enzo Maresca’s constant rotation policy, warning that the Italian’s frequent team changes could damage squad morale and performance levels.

Rooney’s comments come after Chelsea made seven changes to their starting lineup in the 2–2 Champions League draw against Qarabag on Wednesday — the fifth consecutive match in which Maresca has made at least seven alterations to his XI across all competitions.

“Players want to play, they want to build relationships,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “When you keep chopping and changing, players won’t be happy. I think that will come back to bite them.”

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Chelsea’s Constant Rotation Raises Eyebrows

Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Chelsea have made 85 changes in just 16 games, far more than any other Premier League side. The team’s inconsistency has sparked growing debate among fans and pundits alike, as the club tries to find rhythm under new boss Maresca following a mixed start to the campaign.

Rooney, who has transitioned into punditry following his managerial stints at Derby County, D.C. United, and Birmingham City, believes that senior figures like Reece James and other experienced members of the squad have a duty to voice their concerns directly to the manager.

“Most clubs now have a leadership group,” Rooney added. “As a group, you have to go and question the manager. You hear people talk about ‘player power,’ but this isn’t that. This is about communication and leadership.”

“If I was in that group, I’d be saying, ‘Look, I’m not happy with this constant rotation.’ You can’t build chemistry when the lineup keeps changing every week.”

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Maresca Defends Rotation Policy

In response, Enzo Maresca defended his team selections, insisting that his rotation strategy is part of a carefully managed plan to maintain fitness levels amid a congested fixture list — especially after the Club World Cup earlier this season.

“The selection is always because we think the plan with the players is the correct one,” Maresca explained after the Qarabag draw in Azerbaijan.

“The intention was to rest Moises [Caicedo], Enzo [Fernandez], Malo [Gusto], and more players. They cannot play every three days. When we win, nobody mentions it. When we don’t, people start to question it.”

Maresca’s tactical philosophy, which emphasizes possession-based football and fluid positional play, relies heavily on player rotation to maintain intensity. However, critics argue that the constant changes have disrupted chemistry and consistency — two elements Chelsea have struggled with since the start of the campaign.

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Leadership Responsibility: Rooney Calls for Senior Intervention

Rooney’s comments highlight a broader conversation about leadership within Chelsea’s dressing room. As one of England’s most experienced former captains, he emphasized the role of players like Reece James, Thiago Silva, and Raheem Sterling in guiding the younger members of the squad.

“When results aren’t coming, someone has to speak up,” Rooney said. “That’s what leadership groups are for — not to undermine the manager, but to ensure everyone’s aligned.”

Chelsea’s draw with Qarabag leaves them second in their Champions League group, but questions continue to swirl about whether constant tactical and personnel changes are hindering progress both domestically and in Europe.

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Chelsea’s Tactical Dilemma

Under Maresca, Chelsea have shown glimpses of attacking brilliance but also periods of disjointed play. With a squad brimming with young talent and summer signings like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Enzo Fernandez, consistency remains elusive.

Analysts suggest that Maresca’s Pep Guardiola-inspired rotation system may be too ambitious for a squad still finding its identity. While resting players for fixture congestion is logical, critics argue that excessive rotation prevents the team from developing stable partnerships on the pitch — particularly in midfield and defense.

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Rooney Also Reflects on Van Dijk Comments

In the same podcast, Rooney revisited his earlier criticism of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, admitting he may have been “a bit harsh” when suggesting the Dutch defender had “downed tools” after signing a new contract.

“Maybe I was unfair with that comment because I don’t know him that well as a person,” Rooney said.

However, he stood by his analysis of Van Dijk’s performances this season:

“From a performance point of view, I felt I was right. Van Dijk sets very high standards, and I think even he’d say he hasn’t quite reached them this season.”

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What Next for Chelsea?

Chelsea now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they face a crucial run of fixtures that could define their season. With injuries mounting and player frustration reportedly growing, Maresca’s ability to balance rotation with results will be key to keeping both the dressing room and the fan base onside.

If the Blues fail