Reports from "Sport" indicate that Ancelotti never truly trusted Endrick during his time coaching Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.
Brazil on alert
After Brazil drew with Morocco in their first FIFA World Cup qualifier, Ancelotti faced criticism from Brazilian fans who questioned why he did not bring on Endrick when the team needed an attacking spark. Ancelotti repeated the same explanation he had given at Real Madrid: "I will play Endrick at the right time. We have to be patient. He will be very important."
Ancelotti has taken advantage of Endrick's quiet temperament. The forward never complains and maintains respect for his coaches, particularly Ancelotti. However, the Italian coach has consistently made excuses for his "cold treatment" of the striker since first working with him.
Ancelotti said: "He is very patient and in no rush. For his age, he is already very mature, which is important. His family is supportive as well, and they too are patient." The Brazil coach used Endrick's family background to justify limiting his playing time.
Pressure
According to "UOL Esporte," Ancelotti demands that his striker press the opposing back line intensely when they build from the back. While Endrick can perform this task, he has not demonstrated the consistency Ancelotti requires. Other strikers also fall short in this regard, but they carry more weight in the dressing room.
During their season together at Real Madrid, Endrick started just 8 of Ancelotti's 62 matches, scoring 7 goals in 852 minutes. For a striker, goals are paramount, and Endrick delivered—yet Ancelotti never truly valued him. As a result, Endrick was marginalized and later joined Olympique Lyonnais to prove his scoring ability, despite preferring to remain at Real Madrid.