Paulo Fonseca hits back at 'heavy and unfair' Endrick criticism | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca has defended Endrick after the Olympique Lyonnais forward faced sharp scrutiny over recent displays. The Lyon manager argued the reaction has been heavy and unfair amid a dip in team form.

According to Get French Football News, Endrick, 19, joined Lyon on loan from Real Madrid in January after slipping out of the picture at the Bernabeu. He made a flying start.

In his second Ligue 1 outing he struck his first career hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Metz, and he also scored in Coupe de France victories against Lille and Stade Lavallois.

His most recent league goal remains that Metz treble on 25 January. In recent weeks he has been criticised for decision-making in the final third and a perceived selfish streak, while Lyon have lost three of their last four. A 1-1 draw with Paris FC on Sunday night checked the slide, but his cameo off the bench drew further scrutiny.

Fonseca said expectations should reflect Endrick’s age, noting the Brazilian went over a year without playing and is now featuring almost every match.

He added that the youngster initially played on the right and is still learning when to run in behind rather than always demand the ball. In Fonseca’s view, assessments soar when he scores but feel heavy and unfair when he does not.

Source: Get French Football News