Xabi Alonso reveals Estevao frustration amid lack of starts at Chelsea after defeat to Liverpool - 'He could be happier'

Xabi Alonso has said that Chelsea winger Estevao "could be happier" having only started two matches across all competitions so far this season. The Brazil international made an exciting start to his Chelsea career but has struggled to make an impact of late.

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Estevao, 19, was an unused substitute in The Blues' Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The teenager was seen warming up on the touchline but Alonso's decision not to use him drew more attention to his lack of minutes in 2026/27.

He has managed a total of just 172 minutes, 125 of which came in earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup.

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Asked about Estevao after the Liverpool loss, Alonso said: "He could be happier. He wants to play. I'm sure Estevao will have his moment. It is my responsibility.

"We know the game in England is really intense and you need to be up for it. Estevao is in his second season. The season is going to be long."

The Basque suggested the physicality of English football is proving a challenge for Estevao.

"We started with Pedro [Neto], Morgan [Rogers] and Danny Welbeck, and the game had very intense moments," Alonso said.

"We knew it was going to be physical and Malo [Gusto] had cramps, so we were a bit forced with substitutions. The season is going to be very long, and there will be moments for everyone.

"We were quite forced [with substitutions] at the end. The game was really, really close. To come straight from the bench and to that competitive level, I thought that we could have waited."

Chelsea were without forward Joao Pedro through injury and talisman Cole Palmer, who was suspended after his red card against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Pedro Neto has impressed so far this season, operating frequently as a right wing-back, and the suggestion is that Alonso's system does not necessarily suit Estevao.

The youngster continues to play frequently for Brazil despite his lack of action for Chelsea and some fans have called for him to be given more game time.

It remains to be seen whether Estevao will be involved at Stamford Bridge on Saturday when Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League, which is live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

The Blues will be aiming to bounce back from defeat to Spurs and a disappointing cup exit against Liverpool.

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"The outcome is not what we wanted," Alonso said after his side's penalty shootout loss. "It's not what we expected before the game.

"You know, once you reach the penalties, there's going to be a sad side. This is us in the case, but I have to say that the game we have played a very good competitive level, with good performance.

"We showed an improvement, I would say. That's what we wanted. We played with courage.

"The game was really close. It could have gone not many chances for both sides. And we have tried to overcome difficult moments as well."

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