Estêvão: Challenge to Chelsea before joining, according to Palmeiras coach

Abel Ferreira Demands Estêvão Shine Against Chelsea

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira has urged young winger Estêvão to showcase his talent against Chelsea this Friday, aiming for his current team to eliminate his future employer from the Club World Cup. The talented winger was signed by Chelsea last year, in a deal that could reach 67 million euros. Estêvão will join the Premier League team in July, after the conclusion of the Club World Cup, after staying in Brazil this season. All eyes will be on the 18-year-old player when Palmeiras faces Chelsea in the quarterfinals on Friday in Philadelphia.

“As long as he’s with us, he has tasks and commitments to fulfill. After that, he will be free to return to Chelsea. Until then, he will give his best, and there is no better way to say goodbye than by helping us in this World Cup,” said Ferreira.

Abel Ferreira

Ferreira described Estêvão as “a spectacular kid” and, despite the unusual situation, stated that the player is committed to the club for the rest of the tournament. Ferreira added: “I hope he gives his best so that Chelsea can see all his potential and quality. It will be an opportunity for him to show all his talent.”

Estêvão admitted that the situation had been a distraction, commenting: “It has been difficult to balance the emotions of playing my last matches with Palmeiras and also thinking about my future at Chelsea.”

This statement generated criticism from Palmeiras fans and local media, but Ferreira defended it, arguing that “it’s normal to be nervous in this type of match, to feel more anxious”.

Despite his undeniable talent, the teenager has yet to score or register assists in the Club World Cup. Ferreira acknowledged that his team faces a tough battle against the champions of the 2021 UEFA Champions League and current Conference League champions. “To say Chelsea is better than Palmeiras is simply being realistic,” he stated. “They came here and bought our best player. What more can I say? But nobody plays alone in my teams. We run, we fight, we suffer and we win for each other.” Chelsea comes to the match as the clear favorite at Lincoln Financial Field, with a squad full of international stars, despite the absence of midfielder Moisés Caicedo due to suspension. Palmeiras will seek in Estêvão and in the unity of their team to exceed expectations in a match that promises to be exciting, hoping to achieve another surprising victory in the tournament.

“The fact that Chelsea is the favorite doesn’t mean we don’t have weapons and ambition. We must face our opponents with our means, with our strategy, with our game plan,” concluded Ferreira.

Abel Ferreira