Xabi Alonso Promises Estêvão Chelsea Opportunity After Liverpool Defeat
Xabi Alonso has told Estêvão he will get his chance at Chelsea this season after the Brazilian teenager remained on the bench for the Carabao Cup quarterfinal defeat to Liverpool.
Alonso addresses Estêvão’s limited role
Estêvão was an unused substitute as Chelsea lost to Liverpool on penalties on Wednesday, extending a frustrating spell for the 19-year-old winger under Alonso.
The Brazil international has made only two starts and accumulated 172 minutes since Alonso took charge. The Chelsea coach accepted the player could be dissatisfied but said managing those expectations is part of his job.
“I understand his situation and he could certainly be happier,” Alonso said after the Liverpool tie. “Every player wants minutes and wants to feel involved. We have had a demanding run of matches, and there will be opportunities for everyone. I am convinced Este will have his moment. It is my responsibility and we have to manage it.”
A difficult year after World Cup setback
Estêvão’s lack of involvement follows a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.
He had been a more regular figure in Chelsea’s previous campaign, starting 12 Premier League matches and scoring eight goals across all competitions while working under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
- Age: 19
- Starts under Xabi Alonso: 2
- Minutes played under Alonso: 172
- Last season: 12 Premier League starts
- Last season’s total goals: 8
- Major setback: missed the 2026 World Cup with a hamstring injury
Liverpool exit increases pressure for response
Chelsea’s penalty-shootout loss to Liverpool ended their Carabao Cup run at the quarterfinal stage, with Estêvão unable to influence the contest from the pitch.
Alonso now has a quick turnaround to decide whether the winger is ready for a larger role as Chelsea return to league action.
What happens next
Chelsea host struggling Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. The fixture gives Alonso an immediate opportunity to rotate his attacking options and potentially hand Estêvão the involvement he has promised.
