Real Madrid
Endrick under huge pressure as Real Madrid examination arrives at crucial point
The Copa del Rey is Endrick’s last chance to convince Ancelotti. He has only played 160 minutes so far, and none since Vallecas...
For Endrick, Real Madrid’s first round of the Copa del Rey has become much more than a routine match to showcase his potential for a starting spot. It now feels like a battle for survival.
His debut season with the club is not going as planned. Buried deep in the rotation, he has logged just 160 minutes of playing time. His most recent appearance came during the final 11 minutes of the 3-3 draw in Vallecas, a match marred by defensive lapses that left Carlo Ancelotti unimpressed.
Copa del Rey: Deportivo Minera vs Real Madrid | possible starting XIs
Endrick’s situation seems to have gone from bad to worse. After the high of his audacious goal against Stuttgart on September 19, his season has fizzled out, much like flat champagne.
Ancelotti has gone five games without giving the young Brazilian international any minutes, and when asked on TVE whether Endrick would start in the upcoming match at El Llano del Beal, the coach deflected with a vague “maybe.” If Endrick doesn’t start against Deportiva Minera, his situation could escalate into a significant issue within the club’s hierarchy.
The Copa del Rey now represents his best—and perhaps only—opportunity to reverse his fortunes. Facing a theoretically manageable opponent like Segunda RFEF side Deportiva Minera, Endrick is under immense pressure to deliver a standout performance. It’s a do-or-die scenario: if he fails to dominate and Madrid progresses, his chances of featuring in the round of 16 would likely be in jeopardy.
Will Endrick leave Real Madrid on loan?
For now, neither Real Madrid nor Endrick himself has considered a six-month loan in the January transfer window. The squad isn’t exactly brimming with depth, especially in attack, despite the abundance of options in some areas. Additionally, with Vinícius Jr. facing a brief suspension following his red card at Mestalla, a window of opportunity has opened for Endrick.
His task is clear: bridge the gap between himself and teammates like Brahim Díaz and even Arda Güler in the offensive rotation. For Endrick, the small town of Cartagena represents a pivotal moment in his season. It’s now or never.
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