Xabi Alonso has made an indifferent start to life at Chelsea. But much like the hot-and-cold nature on the pitch, Alonso is learning that he will never please everyone off of it either, namely Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea have won five, but lost four of their 10 Premier League games as Alonso fights desperately for some consistency while contending with the Premier League’s second-worst number of injuries this term.

But one issue is causing major discontent among supporters. Alonso continues to overlook Estevao, and has preferred to use Pedro Neto or system that do not include the Brazilian. Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t agree.

Carlo Ancelotti makes feelings clear on Alonso’s Estevao stance

Former Chelsea boss Ancelotti named his Brazil squad earlier this month, and while Joao Pedro was not included as he continues recovery from his thigh injury, Estevao was called up despite a lack of minutes.

Estevao did start against Man United, to the relief of supporters. He was excellent as Chelsea cruised to a 2-0 win largely thanks to Lisandro Martinez. But then, against Sunderland on Sunday, Estevao was a sub.

Ancelotti was asked about Estevao in his press conference ahead of games against Japan and Singapore. The Italian gaffer explained that Brazil and Chelsea have very different views of the Stamford Bridge teen.

“It would be better if they were getting minutes, not so much because of their current form, but for their development. But we can say they’re arriving fresh, rested. They can put in a good performance for us.”

Specifically asked about Estevao, he said: “What we expect from Estevao is for him to show the qualities he has. We’ll keep following him. Even if he doesn’t play a single minute at Chelsea, we’ll keep following.

“Until we decide he’s no longer useful to the national team. As long as we think he’s useful, we’ll follow him and giving him opportunities to develop as a 19-year-old. We have different objectives to Chelsea.”

Estevao’s Brazil minutes highlight lack of Chelsea game time

As things stand, Estevao has made 10 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. He has started two of three Carabao Cup games, and once in the Premier League, but he was hooked at half time against Leeds.

He has played little over 300 minutes of football in total for Chelsea this season, a measly amount. But in just three Brazil games, he has played 172 minutes of football. He could overtake his Chelsea minutes.

If Estevao clocks up a total of 133 minutes against Japan and Singapore, he will have played more for Brazil and Ancelotti in five games than he has at Chelsea in a possible 13, since Alonso was given the job.

It’s not like Brazil are lacking in attacking talent, even with Pedro injured. Is Alonso simply getting it wrong, or is Ancelotti too reliant on Estevao? Chelsea fans will tell you that Estevao deserves to play more.