Endrick has made a scintillating start to life at Lyon since joining the French club on loan from Real Madrid earlier this month. A remarkable hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Metz last weekend means the Brazilian starlet has now bagged four goals and one assist in just three appearances.
The 19-year-old was eager for more game time amid a frustrating season at the Estadio Bernabeu. He started just one game and that came against Talavera in the Copa del Rey, with three outings in Los Merengues colors amounting to just 99 minutes worth of action.
Madrid's response to Endrick's electric form in Ligue 1 is that Alonso was the one to blame for his limited opportunities. While the Spanish coach did opt to resist using him more regularly the club's board also need to look themselves in the mirror.
Why Madrid are saving face over Endrick
Endrick left Madrid for Lyon on New Year's Day, just days before the team headed to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de Espana finals. This would be Alonso's last week in charge as a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the final led to his dismissal the day after.
Alonso had explained the decision to send Endrick out on loan by pointing out he'll have more chances of playing (via GOAL):
"Endrick, at this stage of his career, after coming from Brazil to Europe, needs playing time, and I understand why he made that decision and why the club wanted to invest in his development and experience in a competitive league like the French one, at a club where he'll get more minutes. If that allows him to grow as a player."
The Brazilian has indeed been playing more and not just as part of Lyon's team but becoming a talisman. It's a role that he just wasn't able to take on at the Bernabeu given the form of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior's status as an undisputed starter despite his struggles under Alonso.
Madrid have reportedly reacted to the Brazilian's spell in France by questioning why Alonso didn't use him more. But it's worth keeping in mind that he was sent out on loan just days before the Spaniard was dismissed, with nearly the entire transfer window still to come.
If this was how the higher-ups truly felt about the situation than surely they would have waited a few more weeks before deciding to allow him to leave. Alonso's future was already in doubt and it's a clear show of a lack of long-term planning.
Endrick doesn't blame Alonso
Endrick himself spoke about Alonso after the Spaniard was sacked and he insisted there were no problems between the pair:
“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's sensational showings at Lyon are already leading to talk over him possibly extending his stay at Groupama Stadium. The French side's manager, Paulo Fonseca, has reportedly urged the club to do all they can to secure another loan from Madrid at the end of the season.