Chelsea Starlet's Unusual National Team Request
Chelsea's promising young attacker, Estevao, has offered a fascinating glimpse into the man-management style of Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. The 18-year-old, affectionately nicknamed 'Messinho' by supporters, revealed that the legendary Italian manager allowed him to miss a national team training session for a very important personal milestone: taking his driving test.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the teenager explained the unique circumstances. 'We were in Sao Paulo with the national team,' Estevao said. 'It was because things were very hectic, I only had a little time there before coming here (to England) so I needed to get my driver’s license.' After receiving his call-up, the young star had a conversation with Ancelotti to seek permission to attend the test.
Ancelotti's Personal Touch
The story took an even more heartwarming turn when Estevao described Ancelotti's personal interest in the outcome. 'I went to do my driving test and Ancelotti was waiting at the door for me to see if I passed or not,' he recounted. The Chelsea youngster was thrilled to inform his manager, 'Sir, I passed, I passed!'
Ancelotti's support didn't end there. The coach then made a playful announcement to the entire squad during lunch. 'Then at lunchtime he stopped everyone and said: "Stop everyone! I have some news to tell you… Estevao passed his driving test!"' Estevao recalled, noting that everyone at the table was left in stitches by the manager's gesture.
Repaying the Faith on the Pitch
Estevao, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer in an initial £29 million deal, quickly demonstrated his gratitude for the manager's understanding. In Brazil's friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium, the winger was the one who broke the deadlock.
Just before the half-hour mark, the teenager latched onto a loose ball on the right side of the penalty area and expertly whipped a shot into the far corner, beating former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Brazil's lead was doubled only seven minutes later when Casemiro headed in from a free-kick.
The 2-0 victory marked Ancelotti's fourth win in his first six games in charge of the Selecao. The performance also showcased an improved defensive solidity, hinting at the growing influence of the former Real Madrid manager.
High Praise from a Coaching Great
Following the match, Ancelotti heaped praise on the young Chelsea starlet, who earned his 10th senior cap. 'Estevao has an incredible amount of talent,' Ancelotti stated. 'It’s a surprise this level at his age. He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic... and he works very hard.'
In comments that will delight Chelsea fans, the Italian added, 'I can say this: with Estevao, Brazil have a guaranteed future. He is able to show every game, in Chelsea too, and he doesn’t need a lot of minutes to show his quality. He can play five minutes and he can show his quality. I think the Brazil national team is really lucky to have him, and also Chelsea.'
In other news from the match, Arsenal defender Gabriel is now an injury doubt for the upcoming North London derby after picking up a groin issue. Ancelotti expressed his disappointment for the player, but the severity of the injury is yet to be determined. Brazil's next fixture is a friendly against Tunisia, while Chelsea return to Premier League action with a trip to Burnley.
