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Feature
- 4 hours ago
'I'm not happy with him' - Real Madrid star criticised for lack of courage by manager
Tom Weber
- Updated: 10 Apr 2026 15:39 BST
- 5 min read
News
Real Madrid star Endrick continues to be harshly criticised for his performances at Lyon, with even head coach Paulo Fonseca now publicly hitting out at the Brazilian.
The 19-year-old moved to France in January after struggling for minutes under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. Endrick had missed the summer due to injury and was playing catch-up under the new Los Blancos boss.
Ironically, Alonso was sacked shortly after the Brazil international formally completed his move, giving rise to suggestions that Real Madrid could recall him. These clamours were fuelled by his rip-roaring start to life in France.
Current ETV
Endrick
F (C)
Lyon
Endrick
F (C)
Lyon
ETV Range
€29.1M - €35.5M
Endrick scored four and produced an assist in his first three outings for Lyon. He hit like a bomb and was exactly what the club needed, as they had been forced to play large stretches of the first half of the season without a recognised No.9.
However, the honeymoon period is well and truly over. For weeks now, Endrick has found himself in the firing line. His goals have dried up, and Lyon's results have fallen off a cliff.
Fonseca: I expect more from Endrick
The diminutive forward has not found the back of the net in Ligue 1 since bagging a hat-trick against Metz at the end of January. That is, remarkably, still the only league game in which he has scored.
The two goals he has netted since his initial flurry of strikes were scored against second-tier Stade Lavallois in the Coupe de France and Celta Vigo in the Europa League. Though he has notched some assists in recent weeks, his downturn in form has been severe.
The French press has been merciless. L'Equipe writes that Endrick has "completely failed to meet expectations since his arrival on loan from Real Madrid this winter."
Even head coach Paulo Fonseca, who previously shielded the young striker, has now been unable to keep a lid on his frustration. Last Sunday, Lyon drew 0-0 with Angers, and Endrick yet again failed to deliver.
Recalling that fixture at his press conference on Friday, Fonseca said: “I’m not happy with his performance. He told me he was a bit tired from his trip [returning from the international break], but he has a responsibility to do more.
"I’m not here to criticise players, but I expect more from him. He has an obligation to do more. We need him. We are currently dependent on a player [Afonso Moreira] who was playing in the Portuguese third division a year ago and who, unlike him, takes responsibility.
"If Afonso has that courage, the others must do the same. Endrick needs to be more available. He stayed in his own area. He didn't try to position himself between the lines, to intercept the ball, to offer other options for the team. He needs to work harder."
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are planning to integrate Endrick into the first team again this summer. On current form, however, the youngster looks miles off being good enough for the LaLiga giants.
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