“They may need more minutes” - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti makes decision on 2 stars amid transfer exit speculation
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke about youngsters Arda Guler and Endrick ahead of their UEFA Champions League away clash against Atalanta on December 10. The lack of game time for the two this season has given rise to speculations of a possible loan move in January.
In July, Real Madrid welcomed Endrick after he turned 18, having signed from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras for a reported price of €47.50 million in 2022. However, the prodigal teenager has struggled to get minutes under Carlo Ancelotti. This season, he has played only for 149 minutes across 14 games and has recorded two goals and a solitary assist.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler moved from Fenerbahce to Real Madrid in July 2023 for a reported €20 million. In the 2024-25 season, he has played for 575 minutes across 17 games, scoring a goal and an assist each.
Talking about the lack of game time for the two signings, the Italian tactician clarified that the two would not be loaned off in January. He said (via Madrid Universal):
“Endrick stays here, just like Guler. They may need more minutes, but I don’t have any prejudices with anyone. I only try to put the best players out there for each match, regardless of whether they are 18 or 40 years old."
He continued:
“Sometimes, that might mean playing without Endrick or Güler. We need to be patient with young players. They bring enthusiasm, but because they’re young, they also need to learn some things. I don’t have prejudices about young players."
Finally, Ancelotti stressed his record of playing youngsters based on the match situation.
Throughout my career, I’ve played 17 or 18-year-olds when I thought they were the right choice for the match,” he said.
Guler has started just six games across competitions this season while Endrick has started just once.
"It’s just about three points"- Carlo Ancelotti seemingly calm before Real Madrid's clash against Atalanta
Real Madrid have had a tough start to the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 campaign. With just six points from five games, they find themselves groveling at 24th place in the Champions League table.
Despite the importance of the clash, Real Madrid's coach refrained from overthinking. When asked whether the match against Atalanta was more than just about three points, Ancelotti clarified (via Madrid Universal):
“No, it’s just about three points. It will be an important three points for qualification. It’s difficult to finish in the top eight, so we may have to play some Round-of-16 qualifying matches, unfortunately. But tomorrow is just about three points.”
He further explained his calm demeanor:
“I fully trust my team and my players. We’ve improved and are now in a good rhythm. Tomorrow could be the toughest match we have until the end of the year.”
Atalanta have been in fine form in the UEFA Champions League this season, occupying the fifth spot with 11 points in five games. Additionally, they are atop the Serie A table with 34 points in 15 games.