Lyon Coach Fonseca 'Not Satisfied' with Endrick

Fonseca Demands More from Endrick

Fonseca’s criticism came in the wake of a lacklustre performance against Angers SCO, ending in a goalless draw. The result left Lyon sitting sixth in Ligue 1 after a miserable run of nine games without a win. With Lyon aiming to contend for Champions League places and with fading aspirations of challenging Paris Saint-Germain for the title, Fonseca clearly feels that mercurial players like Endrick are not changing games in the way he needs them to.

Why are Expectations on Endrick So High?

Endrick joined Lyon on loan from Real Madrid. The club is paying 1 million euros for the privilege, as well as half the Brazilian’s wages, which total around €4m annually. Loaning a young Brazilian forward from Real Madrid was never going to be cheap, but Lyon understandably hoped it would be worth the price.

Those titles come with a lot of expectation. Young Brazilian attacking footballers always face the pressure of hype from fans and pundits, and with Real Madrid having shown interest early in Endrick’s career, Lyon will have hoped that they were getting a bargain. But are these expectations unfair or justified?

Is the Criticism Fair?

Endrick started out by proving he was the real deal, scoring on his debut and following up with a hat-trick in his third game. Lately, though, his form has dropped significantly, and Fonseca was forced to defend him following a sending-off against Nantes in February. The forward was blocked by Dehmaine Tabibou and lashed out, catching Tabibou’s ankle and earning himself a dismissal.

It’s worth remembering that Endrick is only 19. It’s rare for strikers at that age to establish the kind of consistency that defines a great goalscorer, and Endrick has contributed several assists through the season along with goals. However, it is fair to expect that strikers will score goals, and Endrick has been struggling to help Lyon get across the line against beatable opposition in recent weeks.

Endrick Responds in Key Game Against PSG

Since Fonseca’s criticism, Endrick has responded well, scoring the opening goal in Lyon’s 2-1 away win over PSG after just 6 minutes and turning provider for the second goal. Lyon have won their last 3 games in Ligue 1, taking them back up to 3rd in the table, and Endrick also provided an assist in their 2-0 victory over Lorient.

This will please Fonseca, and should also go down well with Brazil and former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has observed previously that Endrick needs to make his game more efficient and to stop “clowning around.” Ancelotti is known as one of the best man-managers in the game, and regards Endrick as a key part of his Brazil team. The mentorship of coaches like Fonseca and Ancelotti, who are ready to criticise poor performances while rewarding great results, should be good for the young Brazilian.

Endrick’s Future: Lyon and Real Madrid

While Endrick’s return to form is good news for Lyon as they hunt for a Champions League spot, Real Madrid will also be keeping close tabs on one of their prospects. Álvaro Arbeloa, the Real Madrid manager, is known to be a fan of Endrick but is considered unlikely to remain as Madrid manager after this season. Rumours suggest that José Mourinho is being lined up as a potential replacement, which would present a very different type of manager for the Brazilian to work under.

Of course, it’s possible that Endrick doesn’t return to Madrid at all. In a recent interview, he did not rule out a longer stay with Lyon if they qualify for the Champions League, which suggests that he is enjoying his time with Fonseca at the Groupama Stadium. If his on-pitch response to Fonseca’s recent admonishment is anything to go by, the two have a strong relationship and it may be the perfect place for the young Brazilian to develop, away from the harsh spotlight and stellar expectations of the Bernabeu.