Chelsea star breaks silence after claims he could leave over Xabi Alonso decision | Football

Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea prior to the Fulham v Chelsea Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London, England on 24 August 2026. Credit: Dylan Hepworth/Every Second Media
Alonso has not started the Chelsea star in the Premier League this season (Picture: Shutterstock)

Estevao Willian says he will do all he can to force his way into Xabi Alonso’s first-team plans at Chelsea.  

The Brazil international has not started a Premier League game since Alonso took the reins, managing just 23 minutes of action across four games as a late substitute.

Chelsea’s new-look attack started the season impressively but drew a blank in their 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday night with Joao Pedro ruled out with a knee injury.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have started every game behind the Brazilian with Alonso utilising a three at the back system.

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Pedro Neto has emerged as the manager’s preferred option at right wing-back with Pep Chavarria and Jorrel Hato sharing duties on the left.

Estevao has been the biggest victim of the tactical tweak. Reports recently suggested the youngster has told those close to him he fears he will not get much playing time under Alonso this term and could consider leaving in January should his situation not improve.

The 19-year-old missed the World Cup due to injury but is back with the Brazil squad ahead of friendlies against Australia and India.

Chelsea's Estevao in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea in London, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Estevao has managed just 23 minutes of league football (Picture: AP)

Speaking at a press conference, Estevao acknowledged every coach will have their own vision for how the team plays, vowing to do all he can to reclaim a place in the side.

‘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.

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‘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.’

Estevao 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.’

Chelsea star breaks silence after claims he could leave over Xabi Alonso decision | Football

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