Rooney Calls for Chelsea Players to Question Selection Strategy Amid Struggles

Wayne Rooney believes the Chelsea squad should reflect on head coach Enzo Maresca’s rotation policy after their recent 2-2 draw against Qarabag in the Champions League.

Maresca made seven changes to the lineup for this match. It was the fifth consecutive game in which he heavily rotated the starting eleven. Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney suggested that such frequent changes may create dissatisfaction among the players.

“Players need consistency to build relationships on the pitch,” Rooney said. “If you keep changing the team, some players will naturally feel frustrated. When you are winning, rotation goes unnoticed. But when results drop, questions are justified.”

Rooney also encouraged Chelsea’s leadership group to address the issue directly.

“This is not about player power. It’s about accountability. If I were in that group, I would openly share my concerns. It’s important for the team’s stability.”

Chelsea have recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five matches, including a surprising loss to newly-promoted Sunderland.

Maresca defended his strategy, explaining that the Club World Cup impacted squad fitness.

“Players like Moises, Enzo, and Malo cannot perform every three days. When we win, nobody mentions rotation. When we don’t, it becomes the story.”

Meanwhile, Rooney also reflected on previous remarks about Virgil van Dijk “downing tools” after signing his new contract. Van Dijk responded that the comments were “a bit much.” Rooney later admitted that he may have been harsh, but he stood by his performance-based observations.