“Endrick was catastrophic”

After an impressive first month full of excitement, Endrick is experiencing his first difficult spell since arriving in France. The Brazilian has now suffered four consecutive defeats with Olympique Lyonnais, the latest coming this Sunday against Paris Saint-Germain in a match in which he came off the bench. His performance has prompted the first wave of criticism from both the media and supporters, who booed him after a second-half play in which he attempted a long-range shot that went well wide.

It has not been an easy week for the player on loan from Real Madrid. Although his strong performance in Marseille was not enough to prevent Lyon’s defeat, the elimination from the French Cup at the hands of Lens and the last-gasp draw against newly promoted Paris FC have intensified the criticism surrounding Endrick. The newspaper L’Équipe described his appearance against the Parisians as “catastrophic”, criticising his attitude on the pitch, something likely influenced by his unexpected place on the bench.

“As for Endrick, clumsiness was compounded by a lack of intelligence: the number 9, who had already had a bad game against Lens, had a catastrophic tackle, playing alone and throwing balls into the stands, from where he was met with a barrage of boos,” wrote the French newspaper, which also did not hesitate to point to him as one of those responsible for the French Cup defeat to Racing Club de Lens.

Endrick, as he said during his presentation, arrived at Olympique Lyonnais to bring the club titles. The French side currently has only the Europa League left as a chance to add silverware to a trophy cabinet that has been empty for 14 years. The tie against Celta Vigo will likely determine the direction of the season for the Rhône-based club and for the Brazilian prodigy, whose loan initially looked like a success but is now under scrutiny because of his recent performances.

The numbers, however, remain impressive. In nine matches in France, Endrick has been involved in nine goals: five goals and four assists. He has also had a direct impact on Paulo Fonseca’s system. Injuries to Šulc and Moreira, two of Bobby’s closest attacking partners, have limited his effectiveness, and Lyon have now gone four official matches without a win, three defeats and a last-minute draw against Paris FC.

Endrick’s surprising absence from the starting line-up partly explains, though it does not justify, his attitude on Sunday, which has been harshly criticised in the French media. He appeared dejected, showed little intention of pressing, made few off-the-ball runs, and repeatedly looked for individual solutions. At one point he even signalled his desire to take the penalty that led to the equaliser, but Lyon captain Tolisso took responsibility and converted from the spot.

Endrick now faces a crucial week as he tries to turn around Olympique Lyonnais’ season. An early elimination from Europe would derail the ambitions of a team that, just a month ago, while shining on pitches across France, looked capable of chasing a historic double in the French Cup and the Europa League. In France, every action, movement and reaction from the Brazilian is now under scrutiny. He was signed to help deliver titles, and the responsibility now lies with him to respond on the pitch and silence the growing criticism.

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