"Accept your bench role" – Carlo Ancelotti delivers firm message to Real Madrid starlet Endrick amid concerns over limited playing time
When asked about Endrick’s limited role, Ancelotti emphasized that adapting to bench duties is part of being at Real Madrid, telling the youngster to “deal with it.”
WHAT HAPPENED?
WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID
Addressing journalists on Monday, Ancelotti explained: “Who’s worried? I don’t know. I’m delighted with him. I’ve given him minutes whenever I can, and he’s always taken advantage of them. Is he concerned? I don’t know. He has a chance to play tomorrow. I’m considering playing him. It depends on many things. Beyond competition, nothing is missing. It’s a matter of competition. There are players who are extremely high quality. I think the history of this club shows that many starters have sucked it up on the bench for a long time. Vinicius, for a couple of years, Rodrygo, Valverde, Camavinga. If you want to be at Real Madrid, you have to suck it up on the bench for a bit.”
Broader Context
Despite arriving from Palmeiras in a deal potentially worth €60 million (£51.6m/$65m) amid huge expectations, Endrick has only started four of his 28 appearances for Real Madrid so far. The 18-year-old made an impact by scoring the winner in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, and he could feature again in the return fixture against Real Sociedad. However, with established stars ahead of him in the squad, patience remains essential for the Brazilian wonderkid.
WHAT NEXT?
Endrick eyes a starting position when Madrid face La Real on Tuesday, knowing victory would book their ticket to the Copa del Rey final
