- The Real Madrid duo were involved in a physical altercation during a training exercise
- The 18-year-old Endrick is on his first pre-season tour with Madrid after joining the club.
- Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed there is no problem with the duo
Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished suggestions of a confrontation between Antonio Rudiger and Endrick at Real Madrid’s training camp after footage showed the pair fiercely competing during a pre-season training session.
The 18-year-old Endrick received a solid welcome at his new team, having to compete physically against Rüdiger during Madrid’s tour of the United States.
The idea that Endrick would quietly train with his new teammates was quickly dashed when he was matched up against the German centre-back in a team exercise in which the attackers had to try to score.
The Brazilian star, who finally joined Madrid in early July, 584 days after an initial £51million deal was agreed with Palmeiras, is expected to challenge for a starting place at the Santiago Bernabeu but faces stiff competition.
To stay ahead of Vinicius Jnr, Rodrigo and Kylian Mbappe, he will have to overcome the physical strength of Rudiger, who saw the former Chelsea defender push and abuse Endrick in training.
Carlo Ancelotti has played down suggestions of a confrontation between Antonio Rudiger (right) and Endrick (left) in the Real Madrid camp
Ancelotti played down the idea that Endrick and Rudiger were unhappy with each other after training
The 18-year-old Endrick is currently on his first pre-season tour with Madrid since joining the club.
According to reports in Spain, a disagreement broke out between the two after training earlier this week. However, Ancelotti has denied such claims and insists that Rudiger will do the same with Mbappe when he reports for training.
“Reports about the Rudiger and Endrick issue? Nothing happened, Rudiger only welcomed Endrick (smiles),” Ancelotti said at a news conference in the United States.
“He will do that when Mbappé comes, Antonio is a great guy,” added the legendary Madrid coach.
Ancelotti insisted Kylian Mbappe (pictured) would receive the same treatment from Rudiger when he reports for training
Endrick will have to get used to the demands of representing the reigning Champions League champions and he himself admits he is keen to learn from older players.
Dueling with players like Rudiger will help him adapt to the increased physical pressure of European football, but the youngster said he will need time to take advice from his colleagues.
“I will listen to all the advice from my teammates. Modric, Vini, Mbappe. I am here to learn,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbappé will get his first taste of football in Madrid colours when he concludes his extended summer break following France’s participation in Euro 2024.