Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca warns against comparing teenage star Estevao to Messi after his wonder goal against Barcelona in the Champions League
LONDON: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has urged caution against comparing teenage sensation Estevao to Lionel Messi following his spectacular Champions League goal.
The 18-year-old Brazilian scored a stunning solo effort in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Estevao received the ball on the right before beating two defenders and firing into the roof of the net for his 10th goal of the season.
Maresca dismissed comparisons to Argentine legend Messi when asked about the wonder strike.
Instead, he recalled a similar goal Estevao scored for former club Palmeiras against Chelsea in July’s Club World Cup.
The manager emphasized the need to protect young players from excessive pressure.
“Him, Lamine, they are so young, at 18, that if you start to talk about Messi, Ronaldo, I think it’s too much pressure for young boys like them,” Maresca said.
“Eighteen, they need to enjoy, they need to arrive at the training ground, happy.”
Estevao described the moment as the best of his career so far.
“I don’t really have any words to sum up how I’m feeling right now,” he told Amazon Prime.
“It really was the perfect night. I’m just grateful to God for everything that has happened for me.”
The Brazilian winger also expressed his connection with Chelsea supporters since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s other goals came from a Jules Kounde own goal and a late strike by substitute Liam Delap.
Barcelona played the final minutes with 10 men after captain Ronald Araujo received a second yellow card.
Maresca confirmed team selection decisions would remain based on game plans rather than player form.
The victory marked Chelsea’s third win in five Champions League group stage matches. – AFP
