Speaking at a press conference two days ahead of the home game against FC Lorient, Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca shared his thoughts on the recent performances of Endrick (19). To say that the Portuguese manager does not seem impressed by them would be an understatement. In Angers last weekend (0-0), the Taguatinga-born player was a shadow of his usual self.
“I’m not happy with his performance,” he admitted. “He told me he was a bit tired from his trip (to the United States with the Brazilian national team), but he has a responsibility to do more. I’m not here to criticise the players. But I expect more from him. He has a duty to do more. We need him.”
After impressing in the first few weeks following his arrival from Real Madrid, Endrick has gradually faded into the background, going several consecutive games goalless. While his statistics remain impressive (six goals and five assists in 15 appearances), his contribution has become increasingly inconsistent, with the striker now on a run of eight Ligue 1 matches without scoring.
“We are currently relying on a player (Afonso Moreira) who was playing in Portugal’s third division a year ago and who is stepping up to the plate,” Fonseca continued. “If Afonso has that courage, the others must do the same. Endrick needs to be more involved. He stayed in his own area. He didn’t try to get into the spaces between the lines when the ball was being played. To offer other options for the team. He needs to work harder.”
Still in the running for a Champions League qualification spot, OL are hoping that the young Brazilian star will return to form to help them achieve their goals, given that his future at Real Madrid currently looks somewhat uncertain.
