Of Blackpool's starting XI at Villa Park, only Keith Southern started in the 2-2 draw with Everton last time out and the Tangerines went down 3-2 to Gerard Houllier's men.
After twice coming from behind, James Collins ensured a cruel defeat for the visitors as his last-gasp header stole the points for Villa.
Holloway admits he took a risk with his line-up but insists his side's performance proves the players merited their places in a heroic defeat.
"I felt some of the lads who hadn't played needed to play and I think at the end it proves I took a risk, but I know how good they are as well," Holloway told Sky Sports.
"So, I didn't bring a weakened team - I brought a team who I thought could beat Aston Villa and I thought we should have got a draw at least.
"You can all think what you like, it doesn't really bother me," he added.
"I'm trying to run a football club and I'm trying to teach players [what] to do in a certain way and I thought we were absolutely terrific.
"And if we'd have finished the chances when we created them in the first 20 minutes it could have been a very different score."
Last season, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy received a suspended £25,000 fine for failing to field their strongest side against Manchester United.
Holloway could face similar disciplinary action but remains adamant he picked a team he strongly feels were capable of winning at Villa Park.
"We've got to manage a football club, Mick [McCarthy] did it last year," added Holloway.
"I picked the team that I thought would win today and I rested some of the lads who played for me last year, who got me promoted, and some of the new lads I've been working with had a chance.
"I thought they were absolutely fantastic. They know how good they are and if I played my first team against my reserves team, I'm not sure what the score would be and I think that proved it tonight.
"Unfortunately, they didn't get the points and now we've got West Ham on Saturday."
Holloway continued to defend his side while admitting he has risked his reputation, but has pinned his reasoning on a desire not to neglect any players in his squad.
He added: "I couldn't be any prouder and unfortunately we didn't quite get what I thought we deserved but sometimes, as a manager, you risk your reputation by the players that you play.
"This is the first time I've managed a Premier League club and I've got to focus on the ones who aren't playing and make sure I get them training a little bit better."
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