Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti speaks out on Chelsea’s use of Estevao

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti appears unfazed that Estevao is not getting much game time for Chelsea, insisting he will continue to pick him anyway.

The 19-year-old joined the Blues from Palmeiras and made his debut for the Premier League side in August last year.

His first season was hampered by injuries, but he still made 36 appearances in all comeptitions, scoring eight goals.

The winger has made six appearances already this season, but his four Premier League outings have all come as a substitute.

With Xabi Alonso’s preferred formation it is not clear how Estevao will get many starts, with a set front three of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.

Ancelotti accepts the situation at Stamford Bridge – where he was manager from 2009-11 – and says it will have little impact on his decisions as Brazil boss.

‘Estevao is a very important player for the national team. Sometimes the club’s interests are not the same as the national team’s interests,’ said the Italian.

‘For us, Estevao, along with other young players, is very, very important, and if he doesn’t play, if he doesn’t get minutes at the club, I’m going to call him up, because we think he’s very important for the future, and we’re going to give him the opportunity to improve his development.’

Estevao has also addressed the situation after reports emerged that he is growing unhappy with his situation in west London.

‘I think every coach has their own way of playing’ Estevao said. ‘Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that’s what I do.

‘We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control. I try to give my best in training.’

The 11-cap Brazil international added: ‘When I get an opportunity, I try to give my best; it goes day after day.

‘I try to seize every opportunity I have, I try to control everything I can, and I leave it in God’s hands, and I trust myself a lot, too.’

Brazil have an unusual international break this time round, with two friendlies against Australia and a third against India.

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