flag
back Back
Chelsea fans all say the same thing about Xabi Alonso after latest Estevao comments

Chelsea fans have made their feelings crystal clear after Xabi Alonso opted not to utilise Estevao in his side's Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool

Xabi Alonso speaks to Sky Sports

Xabi Alonso has angered Chelsea fans with his comments about young Estevao(Image: Sky Sports)

Chelsea fans are furious at Xabi Alonso after his latest comments concerning the out-of-favour Estevao. The Brazilian warmed up twice but remained an unused substitute in the Blues' Carabao Cup fourth-round loss against Liverpool.

Having arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025 from Palmeiras, Estevao showed glimpses of his star potential last season. Under Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior, he made 36 appearances and bagged eight goals in all competitions. Estevao notably scored three in the Champions League, including a strike in a 3-0 drubbing of Barcelona during which he dazzled.

Many assumed that under Alonso, the skilful winger would start to gain valuable minutes and shine after he had fully recovered from a hamstring tear suffered in April. But that has not been the case. The 19-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game this season and he has played just 47 top-flight minutes.

In the Carabao Cup, however, Estevao started the second-round win against Luton Town and the 6-3 third-round victory over Leeds United. So when Alonso's team travelled up to Anfield to face Liverpool on Wednesday, it was expected that the teenager would play a role.

But as Chelsea drew 1-1 and lost 6-5 in a penalty shootout, Estevao was condemned to the bench for the match's entirety. Post-game, the manager had an explanation, but Chelsea fans are still livid.

Estevao of Chelsea during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Chelsea FC at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Estevao warmed up against the Reds but never came off the bench(Image: Getty)

Make sure you never miss the latest Chelsea news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.

Alonso said: "I understand his situation and he [Estevao] could be happier for sure. He wants to play and to be part of the team. There will be moments for everything. I'm sure Este will have his moments - that's my responsibility. We were quite forced [with subs] in the end."

However, hordes of Chelsea supporters point to the match against Liverpool as one in which Estevao could have been given some playing time. One fan wrote on social media: "Xabi Alonso says Estevao will have his 'moment.'

"I wonder when that moment is coming - couldn't even start in the League Cup, we're out now. Just Premier League games until the FA Cup in January. He's just rotting on the bench at Chelsea."

Another commented: "This was literally the perfect game for him, yet he [Alonso] only used four substitutes and two of those were defenders. No doubt he's a good manager, but he hasn't found his team yet and it's costing us."

Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, looks on during the penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea

The Spaniard has come under a bit of fire(Image: Getty)

Whilst a third added: "I'm not saying Alonso has a problem with him, but decisions like this make you wonder what is going on. You have a player who can change a game sitting there and you don't use him when you need a spark? Make it make sense."

Yet some of the Blues' cohort have taken a far more drastic stance. Reports have started to swirl around Estevao's future, with claims suggesting that he could request a transfer if the snubs continue.

Fans have hit the panic button. One posted: "I will never forgive Xabi Alonso if Estevao leaves Chelsea." Another went even further and said: "It's better to lose Alonso than to lose Estevao to another Premier League club. Chelsea fans must sit up."

You may like

Chelsea prepare 'massive bid' for €116m superstar

footballtransfers.com 6 hours ago

Liverpool vs Arsenal referee has not taken charge of big-six game in 2 years

liverpool.com 3 hours ago

Chelsea launch €80m bid for Barcelona midfielder

managingbarca.com 2 hours ago

Man City's 'likely' points deduction total emerges as part of 115 charges punishment

sportbible.com 1 hour ago

Chelsea and Mancheester United scouts at African tournament – Attendance doesn’t go unnoticed

sportwitness.co.uk 39 minutes ago

FA make final decision on Max Dowman red card appeal as statement issued

sportbible.com 1 hour ago

Chelsea considering “massive bid” for Spain international as PSG also circle

footballtransfertavern.com 6 hours ago

Man Utd transfer news: Marcus Rashford heading towards Everton switch in January window?

amp.sportsmole.co.uk 55 minutes ago

11 players to miss Chelsea vs Manchester United clash

centredevils.co.uk 2 hours ago