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Enzo Maresca has praised Estevao’s performance for Palmeiras against Chelsea, though the Italian manager warned observers to be patient with the teenager.
Enzo Maresca has discussed Estevao 's performance for Palmeiras against Chelsea on Friday, while also commenting on Joao Pedro's debut for the Blues in the 2-1 Club World Cup quarter-final success.
The Premier League club went in front after Cole Palmer's first-half effort was deserved after their strong start.
Despite their control, Maresca's team could not double their advantage, and Estevao punished his future club with an outstanding leveller that deceived Robert Sanchez.
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Maresca lauds Estevao
Maresca praised the 18-year-old's talent but emphasised that he will require time to adapt to European football upon his move to Stamford Bridge.
“Estevao was very good,” Maresca said. “You can see that he is a huge talent. You can see that he is a fantastic player.
“The only thing for me is when you come from South America or in general from the other parts of the world to Europe, you need time to adapt.
“So we're going to help him to adapt. First of all, to be happy, to continue to enjoy his football, and we have no doubts because he's so good that he is going to be a very important player for Chelsea.”
Furthermore, Maresca discussed Joao Pedro's cameo on his debut, only days after completing his big-money move from Brighton.
“The reason why we decided to involve him is because since he arrived, even if he was on holiday, he looks sharp, he looks good, and we wanted to give him some minutes,” the Chelsea boss said.
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“Also, I think with him and Noni (Madueke) inside the pitch, we were much better.
“With Joao, we knew him very well. The reason why he's here is because we like him and we are sure that he's going to help us.”
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15:33 - 05.07.2025
‘I was on holiday’ - New Chelsea signing discusses playing for Maresca's team at Club World Cup
Joao Pedro has reacted to his commendable debut for Chelsea against Palmeiras at the Club World Cup.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea will face Fluminense in the semi-final, where they will be reunited with former centre-back Thiago Silva, for a place in the final.
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