Endrick on Ancelotti's Brazil, veterans' lessons and bond with Rayan | OneFootball

Endrick praised his time alongside Carlo Ancelotti with the Brazilian National Team during a press conference this Thursday (2) at The Ridge hotel in Basking Ridge. The forward, who worked with the coach at Real Madrid, emphasized that there has been a “perfect fit” between the Italian and the Seleção.

“It’s been a wonderful experience. He was my first coach when I arrived in Europe. For me, having him as my first coach was one of the best experiences. It was incredible — I was able to learn from him and from his staff, who are very good. With the National Team, it’s been no different. I don’t think there could have been a better fit than having Ancelotti as Brazil’s coach. We hope to keep improving, which is the most important thing for us in this cycle,” he said.

At 19, Endrick is playing in his first World Cup. In Brazil’s four matches so far, he came on in the second half of the wins over Haiti, Scotland, and Japan. Despite the anticipation of getting a chance in the starting lineup, he highlighted the competition within the squad and looked ahead to the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway on Sunday (5).

Endrick during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team at The Ridge hotel in New JerseyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

“I’m very grateful to be here. For me, it’s a victory to be with this group and to compete in a World Cup. I think all 26 players are eager to play and are very prepared. If all 26 weren’t prepared, they wouldn’t be here. I’ll wait on God and on the Mister, who will do what’s best for the team,” he said.

“It’s a big match, with great players and both teams trying to win at all times. I have no doubt it will be wonderful. I hope we can play a good match. We are always trying to improve, to do what the Mister asks, and to start every match well, because we know that now there is no margin for error (...)”, he added.

Alongside the forward are names such as Neymar, in his fourth World Cup, and others in their third appearance, such as Alisson, Casemiro, Ederson, Danilo, and Marquinhos. He is taking this opportunity to learn from those who have known for a long time what it means to represent the country.

“(...) It’s very important to talk with these people, who are the captains of the National Team. Not only Ney, but Marquinhos, Casão, Alisson. Being close to these players and gaining experience from them is something wonderful,” he celebrated.

Endrick during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team at The Ridge hotel in New JerseyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Relationship with Rayan

Endrick also has fellow youngster Rayan by his side, a longtime friend and rival from the youth ranks. Developed at Palmeiras, he faced Rayan, who rose through Vasco, in the 2022 Under-17 Copa do Brasil final. Now teammates on the National Team, they share the memories and joy of their first World Cup and have also brought Igor Thiago into their circle of friends.

“We’ve already been on this friendship journey. There’s me, him, Igor Thiago — we’re always joking around. He and I always give our all, and we never imagined being here at 19 years old. It’s a victory to be here, and we have to earn it. These are extremely important matches, where there is no room for error. I was able to help in the last game, and Rayan is in the starting lineup,” he said.

Endrick during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team at The Ridge hotel in New JerseyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.