“In the stands” – Willy Caballero explains why Estevao isn’t starting for Chelsea | OneFootball

Willy Caballero took an unexpected press conference for Chelsea’s today after Enzo Maresca’s red card during the win over Liverpool.

The former Blues goalkeeper was asked about the star boy of the day – young Estevao Willlian who scored the 95th minute winner, sliding in at the far post to put away Marc Cucurella’s cross.

Willy was asked whether Estevao was being “held back” by Chelsea’s staff, who didn’t start him today and are clearly managing the 18 year old’s introduction to the Premier League carefully.

Willy Caballero on Chelsea managing young players’ minutes

Estevao Willian darts in at the far post to score the winner.

“It’s not just Estevao. We are doing a great job with many of the players because a lot of them are young. And they have to face the opportunity to play from the start, or sometimes not playing – on the bench, on be in the stands sometimes.”

“So it’s something that we know that is there. And we are coaches. And Enzo [Maresca] is the manager, he’s the first one to decide. But he knows that we need to work on the individualities to help them to improve, not just with the ball, outside as well. So they can have, like today, Estevao, just a few minutes, but still be ready to arrive there and score.”

Willy on players helping Estevao settle

What he’s saying, basically is yes – the young players are all being managed carefully. It’s important to introduce them slowly so they’re not overwhelmed, but also so that the team isn’t harmed by having a teenager who isn’t yet a well rounded player starting every week.

“We know that a young player can suffer when he moves from another country to settle down here and to play for this club. So the players, first of all, are doing a great job to involve all the new players. And when we have the chance, we work. I can speak with him most of the time in Spanish because he understands. And he’s a really good kid. And we are so happy for him because he needed it, we needed it, and he needed a goal as well.”

A job well done, and everyone goes home happy.