Xabi Alonso is facing his first Chelsea crisis and it could lead to the unthinkable

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Yet some of the issues the new Chelsea manager is experiencing have echoes of problems he encountered – some would say created – at Real Madrid.Then a Brazilian teenager seemed to be marginalised by his manager. “I understand his situation and that he could be happier, for sure,” he said.

At Anfield, Andoni Iraola started with two of his young attackers, in Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha.Estevao was left on the bench at Anfield and Chelsea’s exit from the Carabao Cup may further reduce his opportunities to shine (AP)Alonso took a different approach. Rewind a year, when Alonso was struggling with the issues of Endrick and Vinicius Junior, and Estevao was captivating the Chelsea faithful.The teeanger shone in the Champions League last season but has so far struggled to get into Alonso’s side (Getty)An injury-time winner against Liverpool last September the first of five goals in nine games.

But he had the injury and he's in that process. “I'm sure that Este will have his moment,” Alonso countered.