"Everything is fine" - Real Madrid star shuts down rumors of conflict between himself and Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid star Arda Guler has shut down rumors of a rift between himself and manager Carlo Ancelotti at the club this season. The Turkish midfielder has struggled for regular starts at Los Blancos this season, having found himself in a similar situation last season.
Guler joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce last summer but had to wait until January 2024 to make his debut for the club due to injury. The youngster established himself as a quality player in the final months of the season and was expected to have a major role in this campaign. He has made 10 appearances across competitions, starting just three of them.
Arda Guler hasn't played as much as he would have wanted, but he revealed in an interview that he has no problems with Carlo Ancelotti. The 19-year-old acknowledged that he has, in fact, played more this season, but that he wants to play every game.
He said (via @MadridXtra):
“Problems with Ancelotti? There is no problem between me and my coach. I’m getting more minutes this year. Everything is fine. Of course I want to play every game, but there are no problems.”
Arda Guler scored six goals in 10 LaLiga appearances in the 2023-24 season but has yet to open his account this season after seven games. The teenager has also appeared in both of his side's UEFA Champions League games, coming off the bench in both games.
Toni Kroos' retirement in the summer and the injury problems faced by Real Madrid this season in midfield have given Guler a greater platform to shine. The youngster has started three games in midfield and is expected to get more opportunities to prove his worth to the club.
Real Madrid star speaks on favored position
Real Madrid star Arda Guler has spoken about his positioning on the football pitch after establishing himself in multiple positions. The teenage sensation has featured in midfield and in attack and has revealed the reason behind this.
He said (via @TheMadridZone):
“Sometimes I play in the midfield, sometimes on the right wing. I try to do whatever my coaches want.”
Guler chiefly featured as a right winger in his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, serving as a substitute for Rodrygo. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe in the summer pushed him further down the attacking pecking order. Carlo Ancelotti responded by asking the 19-year-old to play in midfield, where he has largely featured this season.
Arda Guler has played four of his games this season in midfield. Turkiye manager Vincenzo Montella has also chosen to play him in midfield for the national side. The youngster's versatility will make him a great asset to both of his teams in the coming years.