Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the decision to leave Real Madrid’s young talent Endrick on the sidelines during the team’s first World Cup fixture. The Selecao settled for a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, a result that sparked questions about the absence of the promising forward.
Instead of fielding Endrick, Ancelotti opted for Brentford’s striker Igor Thiago to lead the attack. The goals were scored by Ismael Saibari and Vinicius Junior, as Brazil struggled to secure a win.
When asked about the reasoning behind benching Endrick, who impressed during a loan spell at Lyon, Ancelotti remained tight-lipped on individual decisions. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian tactician responded, “I am not here to discuss specific players; my focus is on the team as a whole.”
Endrick’s impressive form at Lyon, where he contributed 12 goals in just 16 Ligue 1 appearances, had raised expectations for his involvement. However, the 19-year-old will have to wait for his opportunity, possibly against Haiti in Brazil’s upcoming match next weekend.