‘Suck it up on the bench’ – Carlo Ancelotti sends out strong message to Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick as he addresses Brazilian's concerns over game time

Madrid manager Ancelotti was asked if he was concerned about the 18-year-old's lack of game time this season. The Italian gave an emphatic response to that, while opening the door to a start against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey this week.

He told reporters on Monday: “Who’s worried? I don’t know. I’m delighted with him. I’ve given him minutes whenever I can, and he’s always taken advantage of them. Is he concerned? I don’t know. He has a chance to play tomorrow. I’m considering playing him. It depends on many things. Beyond competition, nothing is missing. It’s a matter 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, Valverde, Camavinga. If you want to be at Real Madrid, you have to suck it up on the bench for a bit.”

There was a great deal of hype when Endrick, who joined from Palmeiras for a fee that could rise to €60 million (£51.6m/$65m), arrived at the Spanish giants but so far he has made just four starts in 28 appearances. The Brazilian gave Madrid a semi-final first-leg lead in the Copa del Rey last time out and he may get another opportunity to shine against Real Sociedad in the reverse fixture. But it is clear he will have to be patient as there are some great players ahead of him in the pecking order.

Endrick will hope for a starting role as Madrid aim to reach the Copa del Rey final when they entertain La Real on Tuesday night.