Ancelotti Advises Endrick and Speaks on Absence in Copa: 'He Might Be in 2030, 2034...'

By Klaus Richmond, from Rio de Janeiro

The downturn of Endrick, which amounts to only 11 minutes in the field with the Real Madrid so far this season, might cost the young attacker a chance to be among the called-up players of the Brazilian national team for the next Copa del Rey.

In an exclusive interview to PLACAR, coach Carlo Ancelotti advised the player on the importance of quickly defining his future with the Spanish club and spoke for the first time about the possibility of the Brazilian being left out of the next World Cup.

'Yes, I spoke to him (Endrick) at the beginning of the season. He was injured but now he is back, and he has to think with his environment what is better. Talk to the club, to see what is better for him. Endrick is very young, he won't be his last World Cup. He can play the World Cup of 2026 because he has quality for it, but he might be in 2030, also in 2034 and may even be in 2038 (laughs). I believe that for him it is important to go back to playing and show his qualities.'

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With the approval of Real Madrid, Endrick could be on loan from January. The most likely destination for the jersey number 9 is French football: Lyon has opened negotiations with the Spanish club and with the player's entourage to have him on their team soon in 2026.

According to a PLACAR investigation, the proposal was well received by the player, who sees with good eyes the possibility of working under the command of Portuguese technician Paulo Fonseca. Initially, the agreement would be valid until June. Endrick's team prioritizes destinations in France or Italy, while a return to Brazil is completely ruled out.

Alongside Raphinha, Endrick lost space in the Brazilian national team – Allison Dinner/EFE

The change of airs is understood by close people as inevitable at this moment. Despite the fight for space with Ancelotti in last season and the insistence on conquering Xabi Alonso, the Spanish coach has already left very clear messages that he does not count on the Brazilian.

Related in the last 11 games of the Real Madrid, the jersey number 9 has remained almost all the matches on the bench, having the opportunity to play for only 11 minutes in the 4-0 victory over Valencia on the last day of 1.

Despite the less than optimistic projection, Ancelotti did not close the door for other players: 'that is on the radar [Savinho, Gabriel Jesus and other players]', said the Italian, when asked if the other attackers were also being monitored.

The coach explained that the list for the World Cup already has the majority of the defined places: 'maybe 18 players [defined] more or less. There are many injuries in football, so you never know. Today we make a list, but tomorrow or after the Champions League games you have to change it.'

In the previous season, the debut in the club, Endrick received good opportunities under Ancelotti's command. There were 37 games and seven goals scored, being a starter in only eight matches.

He was used among the 11, mainly in the Copa del Rey campaign. The team lost the grand final to Barcelona, but Endrick ended the tournament as a vice-top scorer, with five goals.