Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended his extensive rotation when picking starting lineups on Friday after former England striker Wayne Rooney criticised his team selections, with the Italian saying it was needed in a congested schedule.

Maresca has made 85 changes to his starting lineups across all competitions this season more than any other Premier League club as Chelsea fight on several fronts.

Rooney argued that the constant “chopping and changing” of the lineup would prevent players building relationships on the pitch, urging captain Reece James and senior players to challenge Maresca’s approach.

“Football is a bit different compared to years ago in terms of physicality and intensity,” Maresca told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match at home to bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“For me personally, it’s impossible to play with the same players for 65 games a season Champions League, Premier League.”

–Reuters–