Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has launched a scathing critique of departed Blues manager Enzo Maresca, claiming his public comments about young star Estevao Willian could have a "really bad impact" on the Brazilian's development.
Pressure Cooker Environment for Young Star
Petit's criticism centres on Maresca's decision to mention the 18-year-old winger in the same context as Barcelona's global sensation, Lamine Yamal. Estevao, a £51 million signing from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025, has shown flashes of his prodigious talent but has started less than half of Chelsea's games this season.
While he has earned 11 caps and scored five goals for Brazil, his Premier League form has been inconsistent, with just one league goal to his name, though he has added four more in cup competitions.
"He's Not Living in the Same World" - Petit's Furious Reaction
In an interview with Snabbare, Petit was unequivocal in his condemnation of Maresca's approach. "If I'm Estevao, I would say, 'Thank you very much, Gaffer. Thank you very much for bringing the spotlight on me, you know, to put so much pressure on me'," Petit stated.
He elaborated on the vast gulf he perceives between the two teenagers: "Putting him in the same sentence with Lamine Yamal? Come on. He's got talent, this guy. He's 18, just like Lamine Yamal. But he's not playing at the same level. He [Maresca] is not living in the same world. Lamine Yamal is fighting for the Ballon d'Or. Estevao, I wish that one day he would fight for the Ballon d'Or, but definitely not today."
Petit warned that such comparisons set unrealistic expectations, leading fans and media to "kill him" every time he underperforms. He advised the youngster to publicly temper expectations, suggesting he should distance himself from the Yamal comparison.
Maresca's Defence and Chelsea's New Era
The comments that sparked the row came ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Barcelona in November 2024, a game in which Estevao scored a superb goal. When asked about comparisons between the world's most exciting young players, Maresca said: "It's nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri."
He emphasised that Estevao should focus on self-improvement, not comparisons: "The most important thing for Estevao now is that he has to enjoy his football... He just has to be better than himself day by day."
This controversy unfolded against the backdrop of Maresca's exit from Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day 2026, following a difficult period. He has been replaced by former Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, who signed a six-year deal. Rosenior watched Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Wednesday before taking charge for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Charlton Athletic.
As a new chapter begins at Chelsea, the handling of their £51 million Brazilian wonderkid remains a key topic, with Petit's stark warning highlighting the fragile psychology of top young talent in the Premier League spotlight.
