Chelsea boss Maresca vows to 'protect players' with rotation
Chelsea boss Maresca vows to 'protect players' with rotationJanine2Wed, 10/29/2025 - 06:00 LONDON - Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he will continue to rotate his side as they attempt to compete on four fronts this season.The Blues visit Wolves in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday, looking to bounce back from a 2-1 home loss to Sunderland in the Premier League.Maresca has been using the depth of his large squad this season, making 10 changes for their 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax last week."We need to rotate," Maresca said on Tuesday. "We need to protect the players because if we go with the same XI, we are going to struggle during the season."We probably will make some changes against Wolves, I don't know how many, but we will make changes."I don't know if it's going to be nine or 10 like it was from (Nottingham) Forest to Ajax, but for sure, we need to make some to rotate and help protect the players."Striker Liam Delap, signed from relegated Ipswich, could return for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in August."Liam completed the whole session with us yesterday with no problems and he is available for tomorrow," Maresca said."We have to be careful with Liam and (it is unlikely he will play) 90 minutes, no. He has been out for two months, so he needs to be gradually brought back up to 100 percent."
Maresca has already demonstrated a willingness to utilize the full depth of his squad, notably making ten changes for their impressive 5-1 Champions League victory over Ajax last week. This strategy, he insists, is crucial for maintaining player fitness and preventing burnout as the season progresses.
"We need to rotate," Maresca stated on Tuesday. "We need to protect the players because if we go with the same XI, we are going to struggle during the season." He confirmed that changes would be made for the Wolves game, although he remained coy on the exact number. "We probably will make some changes against Wolves, I don't know how many, but we will make changes. I don't know if it's going to be nine or 10 like it was from (Nottingham) Forest to Ajax, but for sure, we need to make some to rotate and help protect the players."
The rotation policy also offers opportunities for players on the fringes of the first team to prove their worth and contribute to the team's overall success. It's a balancing act, ensuring both freshness and competitive edge as Chelsea aim for silverware on multiple fronts.
In positive news for the Blues, striker Liam Delap, a summer signing from Ipswich Town, is in contention to feature against Wolves. Delap has been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury but has now returned to full training. "Liam completed the whole session with us yesterday with no problems and he is available for tomorrow," Maresca confirmed.
However, the Chelsea boss tempered expectations regarding Delap's immediate involvement. "We have to be careful with Liam and (it is unlikely he will play) 90 minutes, no. He has been out for two months, so he needs to be gradually brought back up to 100 percent." Chelsea fans will be eager to see Delap back on the pitch, but Maresca's cautious approach underscores his commitment to long-term player welfare and strategic squad management.