Ancelotti under pressure as calls grow to play Arda Guler after Barcelona defeat
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) shake hands with his player Arda Guler (L) during the La Liga week 2 football match between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, August 25, 2024. (AA Photo)
In La Liga’s 11th round, Real Madrid experienced a significant setback, losing 4-0 to Barcelona. This defeat allows Barcelona to extend their lead to six points, giving them a crucial advantage in the title race.
Additionally, the limited playing time of 19-year-old Turkish star Arda Guler, who has only played for 21 minutes in the last five matches, has sparked discussions among fans and commentators.
Spanish media wants more Arda Guler
- Cesar Manuel Sevilla (Madridista Real)
- Concerns over Ancelotti’s leadership: Despite having a talented squad, Ancelotti’s performance has come under scrutiny. Sevilla emphasized the need to reevaluate Ancelotti’s player selections.
- Future of Arda Guler: There is strong belief in Guler’s potential to make significant contributions, similar to that of Mesut Ozil. The consensus is that he requires more playing time to develop and showcase his skills.
- Víctor Dieguez (Legal Sport):
- Ancelotti’s waning popularity: Following the defeat, Ancelotti’s popularity among fans has declined, with many expecting more from him. Calls have intensified for him to make quicker tactical adjustments during matches.
- Controversy surrounding Guler’s playing time: The uncertainty regarding Arda’s lack of playing time has led to heated debates among fans, with concerns about the impact he could have if given more opportunities.
Pressure on Ancelotti from his son
Davide Ancelotti, Carlo Ancelotti’s son, is urging his father to give Arda Guler more playtime in the upcoming match against Valencia. Davide believes that Guler should not only be a late-game substitute but should also assume a leadership role within the team.
No rotation at Real Madrid
Ancelotti had promised to provide young players with more opportunities this season. However, Guler and Endrick have played a combined total of only 14 minutes in the last four league matches, raising concerns about the lack of rotation and Ancelotti’s reluctance to adapt.
Several players in the squad have struggled to reach 300 minutes of playtime, a situation exacerbated by injuries but primarily due to Ancelotti’s stubborn approach.
Fans are increasingly demanding to see more young talent on the field. Club president Florentino Perez is closely monitoring these developments.
Ancelotti’s strategy
As he prepares for the upcoming match against Valencia, Ancelotti aims to implement a clear strategy to avoid repeating past mistakes.
However, his son and coaching staff believe it is crucial to integrate young players into the squad to revitalize the team’s performance. Following the El Clasico defeat, Real Madrid needs to regain both points and confidence.
In the aftermath of a heavy defeat in El Clasico, Real Madrid faces growing criticism of Carlo Ancelotti’s management.
Fans are united in their calls for greater playing time for young talents. The role and future of Arda Guler have emerged as critical topics for the club as they look to bounce back in the league.
