Carlo Ancelotti urges Endrick to 'suck it on the bench' on journey to becoming regular Real Madrid starter

React to this story

Real Madrid will be looking to reach the final of the Copa del Rey when they face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their semi-final on Tuesday. Endrick, 18, scored the only goal of the first leg and Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been speaking about his time on the pitch and whether he will get more minutes. Endrick is yet to start a game in La Liga.

Ancelotti says Endrick 'must first warm the bench' at Real Madrid

Video credit: SNTV

Carlo Ancelotti has told Endrick that if he wants to make it at Real Madrid he has to "suck it up on the bench" before becoming a first-team regular.

There was plenty of excitement around 18-year-old Endrick when he penned a six-year deal with Madrid last summer.

But the Brazilian has not started a game for Madrid in La Liga, with all 16 of his appearances coming from off the bench.

Transfers

Arsenal push to secure Guimaraes and Vinicius deals - Paper Round

3 hours ago

There have been reports that Endrick could be sent on loan in order to get more minutes under his belt.

Madrid head coach Ancelotti, though, seemed to dismiss that idea ahead of the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

"I don't think he's concerned. He's happy, working hard and he looks motivated. I'm thrilled with him.

"I'll give him minutes wherever I can because he's always made the most of them, and of course, he might get a chance because he's done a great job in the Copa del Rey.

"He's not lacking anything, it's a case of competition. There are players who are extremely high quality.

"I think the history of this club shows that many starters have sucked it up on the bench for a long time. Vinicius, for a couple of years, Rodrygo, [Federico] Valverde, [Eduardo] Camavinga. If you want to be at Real Madrid, you have to suck it up on the bench for a bit."

Endrick started the first leg against Real Sociedad and netted the only goal of the game.

Madrid will be looking to finish the job at home and book their place in the final, where they would face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.

If Madrid win the Copa del Rey, then Ancelotti will become the first head coach in the club’s history to lift the trophy three times.

"Becoming the first Real Madrid coach to win three Copas does motivate me, but being so close to a final motivates me, the players and the club," he said.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe to become Real Madrid 'legend' like Ronaldo

Video credit: SNTV

"Playing a final in any competition is a great achievement. We're very close and we're further motivated by the support of our home fans and the narrow lead we took in the first leg."

Madrid have been involved in a number of tight games in recent weeks, with their last victory by more than one goal coming on February 23.

"The games are hard-fought, even more so towards the end of the season," said Ancelotti.

"We're effective up top and perhaps a little less solid at the back than we were last year. We've had big injuries in defence and that's meant we've lost a little solidity."

"I speak to the players all the time to ensure they're motivated and focused on every game, but it's almost impossible. The fact the calendar is so draining makes it even more difficult.

"We've done a pretty good job and there are games in which we've shown lower concentration levels, but every player is different from a mental perspective."

Madrid face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, with the first leg on Tuesday, April 8, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

- - -

Watch Premier League and Champions League football live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers