Real Madrid forward Endrick says outside criticism following a defeat does not affect him.
Endrick, who made his move to Madrid from Palmeiras this summer, became the club’s youngest player to start in a Champions League match at the age of 18 years and 73 days during Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Lille.
But without Kylian Mbappe on the field from the start, it was a tough night for the youngster, who was playing alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
When asked how he handles negative comments Endrick, made it clear that he remains unphased by outside opinions.
He said: “To be honest, I don’t see anything. That’s what football is. You can score a goal today, and everyone is excited, but when you lose, they throw you down.
“This happened to me, a long time ago, when I was at Palmeiras. I learned not to see.
🎙️ @Endrick: “It was a tough match.”#UCL pic.twitter.com/rrAYEP2iBf
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 2, 2024
“I press that little ‘it doesn’t matter’ button. I only follow the advice of my coach and my teammates.
“That’s what’s important. What comes from outside, I don’t care at all.”
Despite the disappointing result, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti was satisfied with Endrick’s antics on the pitch.
The young Brazilian managed one shot on target and played 57 minutes before being substituted, receiving a yellow card during his time on the pitch.
Ancelotti praised the youngster after the match, saying: “He did well, he had a very clear opportunity.
“He lacked the finishing but he is young and has quality to be with us.”
🏁 @LOSC_EN 1-0 @realmadriden
⚽ 45’+ 3′ Jonathan David (p)#UCL pic.twitter.com/E8sscQy7x3— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 2, 2024
Endrick, who had previously scored off the bench in his Champions League debut against Stuttgart, admitted that starting a match for Madrid posed a different challenge, but highlighted how much he is learning from his experienced coach.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Endrick said.
“I’m at the biggest club in the world. It’s hard to play from the start. Ancelotti always calls me to talk, says how important it is for me to be here.
“I’m learning from others, I’m happy to be here. He asks me to play calmly, to be happy, and this match was no different.
“When I knew I was going to play, he told me to stay calm, play my game. I think I’m happy to be training with Ancelotti, who is a great coach, as everyone knows. I’m happy to be learning a lot from him.”
