The Copa del Rey is Endrick's last chance to convince Ancelotti. He's 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 fixture to showcase his potential for a starting spot. It now feels like a struggle for survival.
His debut season at the club does not go as planned. Buried deep in the rotation, he has logged just 160 minutes of playing time. His most recent appearance came in the final eleven minutes of the 3-3 draw at Vallecas, a match marred by defensive errors that left Carlo Ancelotti unimpressed.
Endrick's situation seems to have gone from bad to worse. After the highlight of his daring goal against Stuttgart on September 19, his season ended like a flat champagne.
Ancelotti has gone five games without giving the young Brazil international 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 does not start against Deportiva Minera, his situation could escalate into a major issue within the club's hierarchy.
The Copa del Rey now represents his best – and perhaps only – chance 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 progress, his chances of playing in the round of 16 are likely to be in jeopardy.
Will Endrick leave Real Madrid on loan?
For now, neither Real Madrid nor Endrick himself have 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. Now Vinicius Jr. is facing a short suspension after his red card in Mestalla, an opportunity has also arisen for Endrick.
His job is clear: to bridge the gap between himself and teammates like Brahim Díaz and even Arda Güler in the attacking rotation. For Endrick, the small town of Cartagena represents a pivotal moment in his season. It's now or never.
Comments