Ancelotti hints at Arda Guler’s bench role for El Clasico final against Barcelona
Arda Guler, who is likely to start on bench during Real Madrid's final competition against Barcelona. (AA Photo)
Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has cast doubt on the possibility of Turkish international Arda Guler starting in the upcoming Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, set for January 12 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Ancelotti’s comments ahead of the highly anticipated El Clasico pointed to a likely bench role for the 19-year-old playmaker, despite his recent standout performances for the club.
With both Barcelona and Real Madrid having emerged victorious in their respective semifinals, all eyes are now on how the two giants will line up for the prestigious El Clasico final for the Spanish Super Cup trophy.
Arda Guler’s role in the team
Ancelotti’s decision to exclude Guler from the starting lineup during the semifinal match against Mallorca raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The young playmaker had been enjoying a promising start to his career at Real Madrid, even scoring twice and delivering an impressive performance in the Copa del Rey match against Deportiva Minera. His display in that game made him a fan favorite, leaving many to wonder if he would be included in the starting XI for the Super Cup final.
However, Ancelotti’s remarks about the upcoming clash with Barcelona indicated that Guler may not yet be ready to make his mark in such a high-stakes match. When asked about his lineup for the final, Ancelotti confirmed that there would be no surprises, which led to speculation that Guler would once again be relegated to a substitute role.
“We are looking forward to it. We have a lot of enthusiasm and confidence, as always before a final,” Ancelotti said, addressing the media’s concerns about player fitness and readiness. While Guler’s exclusion was not directly discussed, his absence from the starting 11 against Mallorca reinforced the notion that his involvement in the final could be minimal.
Ancelotti prepares Real Madrid for high-pressure El Clasico final
Ancelotti also provided insight into how Real Madrid is preparing for the match, emphasizing the importance of maintaining defensive balance. Real Madrid will enter the final with a fresh mindset following a dominant 3-0 win over Mallorca, but Ancelotti made it clear that there was a need to learn from past defeats, including a recent loss to Barcelona in October.
“We have made a clear assessment of what happened. We started well and the problems came in the second half,” Ancelotti explained. “In a Clasico, there is always pressure, and playing against Barcelona is always special.”
The Italian coach’s comments reflect a deeper focus on improving defensive organization ahead of the final. He stressed that maintaining a solid defense will be key to Real Madrid’s chances of securing victory. “In Clasicos, the quality of the teams prevails,” he added. “Individual actions can be superior to collective actions. An important aspect is to have balance in the collective work in defense.”
Guler’s absence and Madrid’s Super Cup hopes
Despite Guler’s absence from the lineup in recent matches, the young midfielder’s talent has not gone unnoticed. His standout performance in the Copa del Rey against Deportiva Minera showcased his potential, as he scored two goals and played a vital role in Real Madrid’s attacking play.
However, it seems that the intensity of the Super Cup final might not be the right moment for Ancelotti to give Guler a starting role, given the competition’s high stakes and the presence of established stars like Jude Bellingham, who has been in top form.
As for the match itself, Real Madrid enters the final with a strong squad and an evident hunger for victory. Ancelotti confirmed that all players were fit for the final, despite earlier concerns regarding Bellingham’s fitness. “He’s fine, he’s recovered well,” Ancelotti reassured the press about the English midfielder, who had been dealing with some minor physical issues.
The final will be an opportunity for Real Madrid to claim their first silverware of the season and further solidify their position at the top of Spanish football. While Barcelona remains a formidable opponent, Ancelotti’s squad is poised to fight for the title.
