Liam Rosenior has stated he’s going to use Estevao when he thinks it’s the right time to do so, and hinted he could start against Arsenal on Wednesday evening.The Blues welcome the Gunners to Stam...
Liam Rosenior has stated he’s going to use Estevao when he thinks it’s the right time to do so, and hinted he could start against Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
The Blues welcome the Gunners to Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi final, in what is Chelsea’s biggest game of the season.
The game is also Rosenior’s first at Stamford Bridge, and arguably the biggest of his fledgling managerial career to date.
Liam Rosenior on Estevao Willian
Rosenior’s first game in charge against Charlton on Saturday evening ended in a resounding 5-1 win, but he knows Chelsea will need to up their levels to get a result against Arsenal.
One player who impressed was Estevao, and the 18-year-old looked lively from the bench as he won a penalty late on which was converted by Enzo Fernandez.
Estevao has made an impact this season, and has five goals in all competitions, including three in the Champions League.
Estevao has put in a series of impressive performances this season. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Previous head coach Enzo Maresca was careful with the Brazilian’s minutes, much to the frustration of supporters who want to see him play more often.
Estevao played 45 minutes against Manchester City, didn’t feature against Fulham, and came on as a second half substitute against Charlton.
Supporters will be desperate for the teenager to start on Wednesday night, and Rosenior has refused to rule that possibility out.
“I want him to have an outstanding career,” he said as quoted by journalist Bobby Vincent.
“I also want him to help us win now. There’s a fine balance between the two. So for me, I’m going to use him when I think it’s the right time for us as a team and he’s got a really, really good chance of starting the game.
“If not the game on Wednesday then against Brentford on Saturday.”
Chelsea to continue to protect teenage star?
Rosenior also acknowledged he understood fan frustration at the 18-year-old not being on the pitch more regularly, but insisted he wanted to look after Estevao.
“I understand why fans are frustrated when he’s not on the pitch because when you see him on the pitch he just does magical things,” he added.
More Stories / Latest News
“Incredible coach and an incredible person” – Chelsea player raves about Liam Rosenior
“A good in-depth conversation” – Liam Rosenior seems to make call on Cole Palmer starting tonight
“He’s 18-years-old. He’s come from a completely different culture, completely different way of playing, different weather, different intensity.
“Protect is one word and I agree with that but look after is probably a better term. I want him to have an outstanding career.”
Category: General Sports
