Estêvão on reduced game time at Chelsea: 'I try to seize every opportunity I have'

Estêvão says he is focused only on what he can control after struggling for game time at Chelsea under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The Brazilian winger has started only twice so far this season, on both occasions in the Carabao Cup.

He has been limited to just four late substitute appearances in the Premier League totalling 23 minutes and as such has not enjoyed the kind of impact that marked his debut campaign.

Alonso has favoured a front three of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and summer signing Morgan Rogers and all three have been key figures, scoring 10 goals between them, despite a mixed start to the manager's reign.

"I think every coach has their own way of playing," Estevao told a press conference while on international duty with Brazil. "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, when I get an opportunity I try to give my best. It goes day after day."

The 19-year-old was a revelation last season and his introduction following his move from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 was one of the only high points of a disappointing campaign for the club.

Highlights included a winning goal deep into stoppage time against Liverpool, who were the reigning Premier League champions at the time, and a brilliant individual strike in the 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona.

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He scored eight times in 36 appearances in all competitions en route to quickly winning over supporters at Stamford Bridge, who frequently sang his name.

Despite the team's poor defensive record so far under Alonso, they have mostly impressed going forward, scoring 18 times in seven matches, with Pedro, Palmer and Rogers especially catching the eye and thus limiting Estevao's opportunities.

"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," he said.

He was brought on three minutes from the end of Chelsea's defeat to west London rivals Brentford on Friday, with the team trailing 2-0. They conceded a further goal to eventually lose 3-0.