Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward set to evaluate his future at end of the season amid lack of game-time
As Real Madrid gear up for a transitional period ahead under Xabi Alonso, there are multiple players who will be uncertain about their future at the club.
One of them is Endrick, who has struggled to live up to the expectations since joining from Palmeiras, often struggling with a lack of game-time under Carlo Ancelotti.
While that might change under new coach Alonso, the forward still faces an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Endrick to evaluate future in the summer
According to Diario AS, Endrick is expected to assess his future once the season ends, after what has been a mixed debut campaign.
Despite boasting an impressive goal-to-minutes ratio – a goal every 114 minutes – he has only played 789 minutes in total across all competitions, spread over 21 appearances.
His Copa del Rey form offered glimpses of his talent, but in La Liga and the Champions League, Endrick has found limited joy.
His last league goal came back in August against Valladolid, and he hasn’t scored in the domestic competition since – a drought that could stretch to eight months if he fails to net in the final two games against Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
Endrick and his camp rejected the idea of a January loan, preferring to wait until the summer to decide his next move. For now, Real Madrid still consider him a second-choice striker behind Kylian Mbappe
One would expect the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup could play a vital role in determining the future of not just Endrick, but several other Real Madrid stars, in the coming summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
