Carlo Ancelotti has questioned Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's handling of Estevao, insisting that the Brazilian teenager needs regular playing time to continue his development.

According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the former Chelsea manager believes Estevao's development should remain a priority, despite his limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge this season.

Alonso has endured an inconsistent start to his Chelsea tenure, with the Blues winning five and losing four of their opening 10 Premier League matches. Injuries have also complicated his efforts to establish consistency within the squad.

However, his decision to regularly leave Estevao out of the starting line-up has attracted criticism from supporters.

The 19-year-old started Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester United but was named among the substitutes for Sunday's encounter against Sunderland.

Ancelotti, who included Estevao in his latest Brazil squad for matches against Japan and Singapore, acknowledged that the youngster needs more minutes at club level.

“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.”

Asked specifically about Estevao, the former Real Madrid manager made it clear that Brazil would continue monitoring his progress regardless of his situation at Chelsea.

“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 has made 10 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season, including just one Premier League start. He has accumulated slightly more than 300 minutes of playing time.

In contrast, he has featured for 172 minutes across three appearances for Brazil, highlighting the difference between his involvement at club and international level.

If he plays another 133 minutes against Japan and Singapore, his total international playing time across five matches would exceed his Chelsea minutes in up to 13 appearances.