Overview
- Wayne Rooney said senior players, including captain Reece James, should question Enzo Maresca’s selection policy following the 2-2 draw in Baku.
- Enzo Maresca defended rotating heavily, citing the Club World Cup’s effects on fitness and saying Chelsea conceded “silly goals” and lacked cutting edge.
- Chelsea made seven changes against Qarabag and have totaled 85 in 16 matches, with a different centre-back pairing named across the last 10 games.
- Analysts link constant changes and injuries to defensive instability, with Jorrel Hato at fault for both first-half goals, including conceding a penalty.
- Club reports indicate Maresca retains board support despite scrutiny, as Estêvão opened the scoring and substitute Alejandro Garnacho earned the equaliser.