Chelsea fans made their feelings clear after Xabi Alonso chose not to use Estevao in his side’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.
Chelsea fans are furious with Xabi Alonso after his latest comments about Estevao. The Brazilian warmed up twice but was an unused substitute in the Blues’ Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to Liverpool.
Estevao, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025, showed glimpses of star potential last season. Under Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior, he made 36 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions. Estevao notably scored three goals in the Champions League, including a dazzling strike in Barcelona’s 3-0 win.
Many assumed that under Alonso, the skilled winger would begin to earn valuable minutes and shine after fully recovering from the hamstring tear suffered in April. However, this did not happen. The 19-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game this season and has played just 47 top-flight minutes.
And in the Carabao Cup, Estevao started in the second round win over Luton Town and in the third round win over Leeds United 6–3. So when Alonso’s side travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Wednesday, the teenager is expected to play a role.
But Estevao was relegated to the bench for the entire match as Chelsea drew 1–1 on penalties and lost 6–5. After the game, the manager explained, but Chelsea fans are still excited.
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Alonso said: “I understand his situation and him [Estevao] could be happier. He wants to play and be part of the team. Everything will have its moments. I’m sure Este will have his moments – that’s my responsibility. We pretty much had to [with subs] at the end.”
However, hordes of Chelsea supporters see the match against Liverpool as a match where Estevao could be given some playing time. One fan wrote on the social network: “Xabi Alonso says Estevao will have his ‘moment’.”
“I wonder when that moment will come – we couldn’t even start in the League Cup, we’re out now. Premier League games until the FA Cup in January. He’s just rotting on the bench at Chelsea.”
Another commented: ‘It was literally the perfect match for him but he [Alonso] used only four substitutes and two of them were defenders. He’s a good manager for sure, but he hasn’t found his team yet and it’s costing us.”
While a third added: “I’m not saying Alonso has a problem with him, but decisions like that make you wonder what’s going on. There’s a game-changing player sitting there and when you need a spark, you don’t use him? Make sense.”
However, some of the Blues cohort took a more strident stance. Reports have begun to swirl around Estevao’s future, with claims suggesting he could request a transfer if the flirtations continue.
Fans hit the panic button. One wrote: “I will never forgive Xabi Alonso if Estevao leaves Chelsea.” Another went further and said: “Better lose Alonso than lose Estevao to another Premier League club. Chelsea fans need to sit down.”