Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca explained his reasons for benching Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in the UEFA Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw, focusing on the need for smart squad rotation. He emphasized that protecting key players is essential due to the packed schedule, saying some needed rest to stay fit and perform consistently.
Maresca stated that Palmer, Fofana, and Lavia were left out of the squad for a reason — to prevent overuse and ensure their long-term availability. He made it clear that relying too much on a single player like Palmer would be a mistake, stressing the importance of a full team effort instead of putting all the pressure on one individual.
Ultimately, his approach reflects a deliberate strategy to manage the squad wisely, keep everyone fresh, and maintain competitiveness in all competitio
ns.
