‘I Smell A Big Sale’ ‘Gotta Play More’ Chelsea Fans React As Alonso Confirms He’s Held Talks With Benched Player
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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has addressed speculation that Estevao is unhappy with his role sitting on the bench.
Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup tie against Leeds on Wednesday night, Alonso confirmed that he had spoken to the Brazilian about his situation:
“Private conversations should remain private. The players that have the desire and the hunger to prove and to show every day that they are up for the challenge, it’s what we want to create here in the building. And Este is part of it. So he has had a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team.”
Supporters on X have been discussing what the future may hold for Estevao under Alonso:
I smell a big sale incoming. Lol. We are here for business and we shall do it
— El Rôn (@cfcronish92) September 8, 2026
He's still part of the team so y'all shouldn't be putting too much pressure on him to go to the press.
That ain't it. He's got a long way to go.
— PerfectGod™ (@PGCFC__) September 8, 2026
He gotta play more cuz he's goooooddd!
— ɖɛ乂τɛя (@kissclemon) September 8, 2026
This response sounded like that of Enzo😭
— Omoade (@Omoade35710509) September 8, 2026
Now the reports and speculation need to be put to rest.
— Carl 🦩 (@deadeditors_) September 8, 2026
Yeah in other words yes he is definitely unhappy playing 10 minutes.
— HighLine CFC (@HighlineCFC) September 8, 2026
Estevao is not a good fit for Alonso’s system
The reason for the teenager’s absence from the starting lineup is pretty obvious. He is a winger, and there isn’t a role for him in the current formation.
Estevao will get minutes playing as Cole Palmer’s understudy (as well as at wingback), but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to satisfy a player who is very ambitious.
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Chelsea want to tie him down to a new contract
The Blues clearly know what a promising player they have on their hands, and it looks like they will try and tempt Estevao into staying by offering a higher salary.
Writing in The Telegraph, reliable journalist Matt Law said that the Blues are likely to propose an “improved contract” over the coming months, despite the 19-year-old still having just under seven years remaining on his current deal.