In Madrid, where patience is often measured against the next transfer window, José Mourinho has made his position on Endrick unmistakable. The Real Madrid coach does not want the Brazilian forward leaving the Santiago Bernabéu, despite growing interest from Italy and the limited minutes the 20-year-old has received this season.
The news from the club
Mourinho described Endrick as an important part of his squad and said any club hoping to take him away from Madrid would face strong resistance from the coach himself.
“Anyone who wants him will have to contend with me,” Mourinho said. “I do not believe he needs a loan, and I think he can be hugely successful here.”
Endrick has repeatedly received public backing from Mourinho, even though his route into regular match action has been slowed. The coach pointed to an injury suffered after pre-season, which kept the striker out for more than a month at the beginning of the campaign.
Since returning, Endrick has still had few opportunities, a situation Mourinho said he has discussed directly with the Brazil international. He recalled one recent match in which the forward was about to be introduced when Real Madrid scored; after taking the lead while reduced to 10 men, Mourinho altered his plans and chose a different option to protect the result.
The Portuguese coach had already wanted Endrick to remain in the group during the European summer window, when a temporary departure was also considered. The player chose to stay in Madrid and has continued to wait for a larger role.
The January question
Roma and Milan have both been linked with a possible January loan for Endrick in recent weeks. Mourinho’s comments, however, suggest that Real Madrid are not preparing to open the door easily, with the coach convinced the forward’s development should continue in the Spanish capital.
