Endrick's time playing under Xabi Alonso was dissapointing as he spent the majority of the Spaniard's spell in charge on Real Madrid's bench. The Brazilian starlet started the season with a thigh problem but once he returned he rarely got a look in.
Just 99 minutes were handed to Endrick during Alonso's short-lived reign and his only start came in a 3-2 win over Talavera in the Copa del Rey. He wanted more game time ahead of this summer's FIFA World Cup and was granted his wish on New Year's Day when he joined Lyon on loan.
Endrick has made a red-hot start to life in France, scoring an excellent goal on his debut. Many would think he'd look back on his time playing under Alonso with regret but that isn't the case.
Endrick breaks silence after Alonso's Madrid exit
The Brazilian attacker cut a frustrated figure every time a camera panned to the substitutes bench and he was sat watching his teammates. But he remained professional, keen to earn his place in Alonso's team.
Alonso is no longer at the Estadio Bernabeu and that might have come as good news for the player. But he gave an admirable response when asked about the situation (via Madrid Xtra):
“No issue with Xabi. I learned a lot from Xabi in Madrid. He was a top-level player and knew football very well. Even though I was injured for a long time and couldn't train with everyone, I benefited greatly from him.”
Endrick joined Madrid in the summer of 2024 and was arguably the most wanted teenage talent in the world. He chose Los Blancos and was expected to thrive in similar fashion to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
But he's yet to reach expectations since making the big move to the Spanish capital, appearing 40 times and posting seven goals and one assist. Injuries have plagued his development but when he was fit he never seemed to have Alonso's trust.
Endrick could make a shock return to Madrid in the next few days if the club opt to trigger a clause in his Lyon loan deal. They have the option to recall him by January 20th although it's unlikely they will do so given he has been handed a fresh start in France.
Endrick might be missing Carlo Ancelotti
It was Carlo Ancelotti who was in charge at the Bernabeu when Endrick arrived and the Italian did put his trust in the Brazil international. He made 37 appearances during their time together and looked on course to earn regular game time.
Ancelotti left Madrid at the end of last season before taking the Brazil national team job where he'll coach Endrick at this summer's World Cup. His attacking gem gave a glowing verdict while speaking to Diario AS (via Madrid Xtra):
"I could write a book about everything I learned from Carlo Ancelotti. He taught us a lot about the game, but also about life in football."
Alonso didn't quite possess the man-management skills that Ancelotti is renowned for and that played it's part in his early exit. The Spaniard was at odds with several players by the time his side lost to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final.