Xabi Alonso’s pathetic excuse for not playing Estevao as Chelsea lost to Liverpool does not hold any water

Xabi Alonso’s pathetic excuse for not playing Estevao as Chelsea lost to Liverpool does not hold any water Chelsea crashed out of the Carabao Cup after losing to Liverpool on penalties in the fourth round yesterday . Xabi Alonso’s men have now failed to win their last two games while playing incoherent football, leaving many fans frustrated. The Blues took the lead from a Morgan Rogers penalty, but Cody Gakpo also levelled from the spot for Liverpool. After a second half without decisive moments, Liverpool held their nerve to send Chelsea packing after a penalty shoot-out. While Chelsea fans are disappointed with the performance, much of their chagrin will be directed towards Alonso for his treatment of Estevao Willian. The Spanish tactician left Estevao on the bench while Pedro Neto consistently made poor decisions in the final third, and Rogers’ influence waned. Reporters immediately asked the manager why the Brazilian youngster has received only 172 minutes this season, and he didn’t have a clear answer. Alonso said (via Football London ), “For sure, I understand his situation, and he could be happier for sure. He wants to play and to be part of the team. “There will be moments for everything. I’m sure Este will have his moments – that’s my responsibility. We were quite forced (with subs) in the end. “We know that the Premier League and games in England are very intense. You need to be up for it. Este is in his second season, he had that injury. It’s not going to be long.” However, Alonso’s excuses don’t hold water. If he believes Estevao needs time to adapt, he can give the teenager a few minutes off the bench rather than leaving him watching as Chelsea struggle to create anything meaningful. He is an exciting talent who could provide the inspiration this side desperately needs, yet Alonso appears determined to keep him on the fringes. For whatever reason, the Spaniard is freezing out a player Chelsea should be doing everything possible to develop. It would be a shame if Alonso’s baffling treatment pushed Estevao out. Rumours already suggest Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring his situation. Chelsea cannot afford to waste such talent, especially when their attacking play is crying out for fresh ideas.