Estevao has reacted to his limited playing time at Chelsea this season, stating he focuses on what he can control while acknowledging the quality of players at the club.
The 19-year-old Brazilian impressed in his first campaign at Chelsea, scoring a late winner against Liverpool and a standout goal in a 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona. However, he has not started any of Chelsea's first five Premier League games under Xabi Alonso and was substituted at half-time in the Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United, with Chelsea trailing after Alonso made several changes to his starting lineup.
Estevao speaks in Brisbane
Estevao missed the World Cup through injury but is with Brazil for friendlies against Australia and India. Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, he said: "I think every coach has their own way of playing. 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," he 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."
Alonso's response
Alonso was asked earlier this month about Estevao's future and confirmed the Brazilian remains in his plans despite reduced game time compared with last season under Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior. "Este is ready, he's training well," Alonso said on September 8. "He's fully involved and with a very good attitude every day."
Alonso added: "Este [can] 100 per cent [have a big impact], because of his potential, because he is so young. But he is in that process to adapt and to learn quickly. And the season is going to be long."
Alonso acknowledged he and Estevao have discussed the Brazilian's situation but said: "Private conversations should remain private. The players that have the desire and the hunger to prove and to show every day that they are up for the challenge, it is what we want to create here in the building. And Este is part of it. So he has had a very good attitude, a very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team."
