When Estevao Willian steps onto the pitch with the Brazil national team, he knows that anything less than total concentration could see him face the wrath of manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian legend, known for his calm exterior, has shown he will not hesitate to drop even the most talented players if they defy his authority.
The Training Ground Confrontation
During the October international break, as Brazil prepared for a friendly against South Korea, a tense incident unfolded. Reports from Globo Esporte indicate that Estevao repeatedly ignored Ancelotti's specific tactical instructions during a training drill, failing to apply pressure on the full-back as directed.
This defiance provoked a furious reaction from the former Real Madrid boss, who delivered a very public dressing down in front of the entire squad. Ancelotti's message was brutally clear: 'I only speak once. Either you do what I'm telling you, or you're out of the team.'
From Rebuke to Redemption
The stern approach yielded immediate and impressive results. The threat of being dropped from the squad had a transformative effect on the young winger. Shortly after the confrontation, Estevao scored a brace in Brazil's 5-0 victory over South Korea, marking the beginning of a superb run of form.
This disciplined approach is a hallmark of Ancelotti's renowned man-management style. Throughout his 30-year managerial career, he has expertly nurtured extraordinary young talents like Kaka and Vinicius Jnr. Now, Estevao appears to be his latest project, learning the hard lessons required to succeed at the highest level.
A Balanced Approach to Player Development
Ancelotti's relationship with the Chelsea star isn't solely defined by strict discipline. The manager recently demonstrated his supportive side by allowing Estevao to miss a training session to take his driving test.
Estevao recounted the heartwarming story to Sky Sports: 'We spoke with Ancelotti to see if he would let me go to get my licence. I went to do my driving test and Ancelotti was waiting at the door for me to see if I passed or not… I was like: "Sir, I passed, I passed!"' The manager then announced the news to the entire squad at lunch, creating a moment of shared laughter and camaraderie.
This balanced approach of firm boundaries and personal support has clearly resonated with the player. Estevao, nicknamed 'Messinho' in his homeland, has repaid his manager's faith with outstanding performances. He netted his fourth goal in just five international caps in a 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium, latching onto a loose ball and whipping a fine shot into the far corner.
After the match, Ancelotti heaped praise on his young prodigy, stating: 'Estevao has an incredible amount of talent. It’s a surprise this level at his age. He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic... and he works very hard. With Estevao, Brazil have a guaranteed future.'
The manager also offered encouraging words for Chelsea fans, noting the player's ability to make an impact even with limited minutes. Estevao, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer for an initial £29 million, is rapidly becoming one of South America's most exciting prospects. His continued development will be on display as Brazil faces Tunisia in Lille.
