When Estevao Willian takes to the training pitch with the Brazil national team ahead of their friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday, he will do so with the knowledge that he must remain 100 per cent concentrated during every drill or exercise he is instructed to do.
That’s because if he isn’t, Carlo Ancelotti will be straight on his case. The head coach would even strip him of his spot in the squad if he had to, despite his incredible performances in the famous yellow shirt of Brazil of late.
The Italian managerial legend may be known for his calm demeanour in dressing rooms and on the touchline, but he is not afraid to put his foot down when he deems it necessary.
And Estevao has already found out what happens if you defy ‘Don Carlo’s’ orders.
During the October international break, as Brazil prepared for a friendly with South Korea, Ancelotti felt the need to hand the Chelsea youngster a dressing down in front of the entire squad during a training session.
Reports have suggested that Estevao repeatedly ignored Ancelotti’s instructions to put pressure on the full-back during an exercise. This enraged the former Real Madrid boss so much that he felt the need to threaten dropping the winger from the squad in front of his team-mates.
Estevao has been shining for Brazil under the stewardship of legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti
But back in October Ancelotti (left) was forced to discipline Estevao during a training session
‘I only speak once. Either you do what I’m telling you, or you’re out of the team,’ Ancelotti shouted toward Estevao, according to Globo Esporte.
The threat clearly worked wonders, as the starlet went on to bag a brace during a 5-0 win, and has since impressed on the right-hand side of Brazil’s attack.
During his 30-year career in management, Ancelotti has worked with the most extraordinary young talents that football has had to offer. Kaka and Vinicius Jnr are just a couple of young talents that he has had the pleasure of nurturing.
Estevao is now Ancelotti’s latest project, and he is clearly displaying his well-known man-management skills to ensure the starlet stays grounded.
The Chelsea star clearly appreciates the tough love treatment and has responded well to it both behind closed doors and in front of the cameras.
The Brazil boss isn’t always hard on the forward and recently allowed him to miss training to take his driving test, which Estevao was incredibly appreciative of.
Speaking to Sky Sports last week, Estevao said: ‘We were in Sao Paulo with the national team. 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.
‘So they gave me a certain time that I had to go for the driving test, and then I got the call-up.
The Brazil boss reportedly gave Estevao a dressing down in front of his team-mates after the young winger repeatedly ignored instructions
‘That’s when we spoke with Ancelotti to see if he would let me go to get my licence.
‘I went to do my driving test and Ancelotti was waiting at the door for me to see if I passed or not… I was like: “Sir, I passed, I passed!”
‘Then at lunchtime, he stopped everyone and said: “Stop everyone! I have some news to tell you… Estevao passed his driving test!”
‘Everyone was laughing so much all around the table.’
Estevao, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ in his home country, repaid the faith of his manager by netting his fourth goal in five international caps on Saturday, opening the scoring in a 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates.
Latching on to a loose ball on the right-hand side of the penalty area, the teenager whipped a shot into the far corner to beat former Chelsea shot stopper Edouard Mendy.
It was Ancelotti’s fourth win in six games in charge on the South American giants in a performance which showed glimpses of the former Real Madrid manager’s increasing influence with an improved defensive performance – and a welcome clean sheet.
Ancelotti heaped praise on the young winger after the game, who earned his 10th cap in north London on Saturday, saying: ‘Estevao has an incredible amount of talent. It’s a surprise this level at his age.
Estevao shone at the Emirates for his national team against Senegal, scoring the opener
‘He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic… and he works very hard. I can say this: with Estevao, Brazil have a guaranteed future.’
In what will be music to the ears of Chelsea fans, the Italian coach then added: ‘He’s a very talented player. 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.’
Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer after agreeing an initial £29million deal for the teenager the previous year, and his stock is quickly rising as one of the most exciting young talents in South America.
After featuring for 83 minutes against Senegal, he will be keen on keeping up his impressive momentum when Brazil take on Tunisia in Lille.
