Journalist hints at hidden reason behind lack of Endrick Felipe minutes at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been plagued by injuries in recent weeks, with Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo Goes, and Vinicius Junior all missing time. However, this has not led to increased playing time for €40m summer signing Endrick Felipe.

Once again, manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Endrick after he was left out of the matchday squad against Getafe. “He has to work,” Ancelotti responded, adding on Saturday that Endrick would play when he felt the player was the best option.

Endrick has not featured in five of the last eight matches, with limited minutes in the others. When pressed by the media, Ancelotti reiterated: “Endrick will play when I think he is the ideal player to win the game.”

Though Ancelotti is generally seen as a player’s coach, Manolo Lama from Cadena Cope suggested that there may be more behind the lack of minutes. Lama believes Ancelotti’s comments signal a deeper issue, as the manager has no concerns about Endrick’s play but may have seen something in his attitude or training that he doesn’t like.

The 18-year-old has played just 29 minutes in Real Madrid’s last nine matches, despite the team’s struggles. Early in the season, Endrick showed flashes of his potential, scoring twice. However, with Ancelotti emphasizing better pressing, it seems Endrick is still adapting to the tactical demands of the manager.