Overview
- The Chelsea head coach said most changes are forced because backups are not at the level of regular starters, citing Andrey Santos versus Moisés Caicedo and Tosin Adarabioyo versus Wesley Fofana.
- Maresca called rotation the most difficult part of his season, noting the team is playing roughly every three days and a fixed XI is unrealistic.
- He said Wesley Fofana is not ready for three matches a week and emphasized the need to avoid another long layoff for the defender.
- Reece James is now handling two games a week and is targeting a step up to three, according to Maresca.
- Reflecting on the Leeds defeat, he said Chelsea were second best in all aspects and urged a response against Bournemouth, adding that Cole Palmer is fit to start but unlikely to complete 90 minutes.