Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he does not have a problem with Arda Guler despite the Turkish midfielder having a limited game time.
Guler was handed a rare start on Wednesday evening as Madrid saw out a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. The midfielder failed to make an impact, but Ancelotti does not believe that there are any problems with the player.
The Turkish international performance comes just weeks after being linked with a move out of Real Madrid due to his limited game time. Further reports also claim that the Madrid coaching staff was not particularly pleased with the midfielder’s attitude in training in recent weeks.
Arda Guler talks with Carlo Ancelotti during ceremony during the UEFA Super Cup 2024 match between Real Madrid and Atalanta BC. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
While Guler failed to create anything noteworthy in the final third against Sociedad,, his defensive work-rate left a good impression on Ancelotti, who had nothing but words of encouragement for the No.15.
“Arda worked very well in his position, helping a lot in defence,” Ancelotti asserted after the Sociedad game (h/t AS).
“I read that there’s a ‘Guler problem,’ but there is no case here. It’s a process — for him and for all young players. The same happened with Rodrygo, Vinicius [Jr.], [Fede] Valverde… He needs time to integrate into the best squad in the world. Everyone understands that. And those who don’t, need to.”
With Madrid set to play five matches over the next 15 days, Guler will be eager to impress Ancelotti when called upon. Madrid will face Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, and Villarreal in La Liga, alongside a Champions League Round of 16 double-header against local rivals Atletico Madrid.
