Down at Palmeiras, Endrick seeks ‘debut’ in Paulistão’s knockout round and wants to gain minutes in the final

Palmeiras is in the final of the Paulista Championship and can win its second title of the year. Verdão faces Água Santa in the big decision in search of the second state championship, but there is an issue to be discussed: Endrick. The number 16 shirt has not yet entered the field for the Campeonato Paulista knockout round, but should go in search of his second final for the professional.

Endrick was substituted for three straight games and did not receive even a minute in the elimination matches, losing his starting place to Giovani and Tabata. In addition, in 11 matches this year, the player has not scored a single goal and has not distributed any assists.

Recent episodes such as crying on the bench after being substituted in Paulistão’s group stage duel against Bragantino show the young man’s frustration with his performance in the current season. With the goal drought, the striker ended up becoming the target of criticism from part of the Palmeiras fans and coach Abel Ferreira even got irritated in some press conferences when asked about the player.

In the last round of the state group stage, against Guarani, Endrick lost his starting spot to Giovani. In the quarterfinals and semifinals, Tabata started the match. In the confrontation against Ituano, last Sunday (19), the number 11 suffered an injury right at the beginning of the game, but the chosen one for his place was Breno Lopes.

Endrick has already played in a final for Palmeiras’ professional squad: the Supercopa do Brasil that ended in a title against Flamengo. Now, the young striker, even at a difficult time in the season, aims to receive minutes in the state’s decision.

It is worth remembering that the player is already sold to Real Madrid, but will only join the Spanish team in July 2024, when he will turn 18. Palmeiras will face Água Santa on the 2nd of April, still without a defined location. The return match will take place on the 9th, at Allianz Parque, as Verdão had the best campaign in the competition.