Real Madrid News
Real Madrid loanee called out by current manager after major dip in form: ‘Not satisfied with his performance’
The January loan move that was meant to accelerate Endrick’s development is beginning to take a more complicated turn, with the young striker now facing growing scrutiny at Olympique Lyon.
Initially, the decision to leave Real Madrid on a temporary basis looked like a masterstroke.
The Brazilian forward wasted no time making an impression, announcing himself with a stunning hat-trick against Metz that immediately raised expectations.
Bright start fading into frustration
However, football moves quickly, and so do the stories. What began as a promising spell has now turned into a period of concern.
Endrick has not scored in Ligue 1 since that explosive performance, enduring an eight-match goal drought.
While he has contributed three assists during that stretch, his inability to find the net is starting to weigh heavily on both the player and the team.
With pressure mounting, manager Paulo Fonseca did not shy away from addressing Endrick’s dip in form during his pre-match press conference.
“I’m not satisfied with Endrick’s performance,” Fonseca said.
“I’m not here to tear the players apart, but I expect more from a player like Endrick, and I believe he has a duty to perform better.”
Fatigue and adaptation factors at play
Fonseca also pointed to the physical demands placed on the young forward, especially after his recent international duty with Brazil, where he featured against Croatia.
“He said he was a bit tired from the trip. But I think he has a responsibility to perform better.”
Another factor affecting his performances is the way opponents are now approaching him.
Defenders are paying close attention, limiting his space and forcing him to adjust his movement.
Explaining this tactical challenge, Fonseca added, “Endrick is marked very closely by opponents.
“He needs to do more to show himself as an option and to get away from his marker.
“He’s paying the price for having gone a long time without playing before coming to Lyon. What’s more, it’s difficult for him to play three times a week,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
In a season where Real Madrid have largely struggled to keep pace with leaders Barcelona, Arda Guler has been one of the few bright sparks.
Despite his limited minutes, the Turkish international has shown that he is capable of becoming a first-team regular for Los Blancos, especially at a time when others, including Vinicius Jr. are struggling to make an impact.
Guler was notably named in Real Madrid’s five-player star of the month for September and the player could soon be rewarded with a contract extension as well.
New contract for Arda Guler
According to AS, Guler has agreed terms for a new deal at Real Madrid, in what could be the club’s first major renewal for the new season.
The young Turk’s current deal at the Bernabeu expires in 2029. But the renewal will ensure his future at the club at least until 2031.
The new contract will effectively acknowledge Guler’s growing role in the Real Madrid first-team and include a salary-increase.
The negotiations between the two parties had started last month and has now come to fruition, with Guler more than happy to continue his chapter at Real Madrid.
He also joins a long list of Real Madrid players with long-term contracts, including Yan Diomande, Vinicius Jr., Marc Cucurella, Aurelien Tchouameni and others.
An important season ahead
With the contract likely to be finalised soon, Arda Guler’s main goal will be continue to his form when the season restarts next weekend.
The forward has been involved in four goals in seven matches this season. With Vinicius and Diomande struggling for form, the Turkish international will have an excellent opportunity to become a regular starter for Jose Mourinho throughout the course of the campaign.
Mourinho, for his part, must identify how to get the best out of both Guler and an in-form Jude Bellingham. If the two can somehow work together in the final third, Real Madrid could find themselves dominating most matches.
