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Chelsea Held 2-2 by Qarabag as Maresca Defends Rotation and Laments 'Silly Goals'

The club hierarchy says his rotation for a young, injury-hit squad remains central to their strategy.

Overview

  • Estevao Willian opened the scoring before Qarabag turned it around, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho earning Chelsea a point after the break.
  • Enzo Maresca said the difference was "inside the box," criticising wasteful finishing and describing the concessions as "silly goals."
  • Maresca cited the Club World Cup hangover, injuries and a congested schedule as reasons for resting players and managing minutes.
  • Chelsea made seven changes in Baku and have used a different centre-back pairing in each of their past 10 matches, which the BBC said has bred instability.
  • Jorrel Hato was blamed in reports for errors including a conceded penalty, though Maresca declined to single him out as scrutiny of the defence intensifies.