Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hints at Arda Guler debut against Arandina

By SABC Sport
6th January 2024

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has hinted at the debut of Turkish talent Arda Guler in Saturday's Copa del Rey clash against Arandina CF.

The prospect of Guler making his mark on the team is heightened by Ancelotti's endorsement, stating to media when asked, "Arda Guler could start tomorrow."

Six months after his introduction as a Madridista, Guler has overcome a challenging period of injuries and setbacks, entering 2024 fully recovered and ready for action.

Ancelotti acknowledged the young player's resilience, urging patience from fans: "He is calm, very content to return. Patience is necessary; he's 18 and will be a crucial player now and in the future. His quality will gradually earn him minutes."

The timing appears opportune for Guler, with a seemingly inferior opponent providing a platform for the player in whom Real Madrid have placed significant trust. Ancelotti's summer pursuit successfully thwarted potential interest from Barcelona, securing Guler's allegiance.

Addressing the press conference, Ancelotti, while announcing key absences, shared a resolute statement about his relationship with club president Florentino Perez: "I didn't ask for anything for Reyes. He is giving me everything in terms of affection and emotion. I have a good relationship with him."

When asked about Jude Bellingham's status as the world's best player, Ancelotti acknowledged the young talent's achievements: "He is doing very well, considering he had to adapt to a new culture, a new language... Obviously, he is the best."

Dispelling any notion that the Copa del Rey is of little importance to him, Ancelotti emphasized the significance of the competition: "The Copa has brought us a lot of joy with titles in 2014 and last year. We are the reigning champions, and this competition brought us a lot of happiness last year. We will try to win it again, just like last year. Tomorrow, we will aim to do our best."

In what could be a landmark moment, Arda Guler's potential debut adds an extra layer of anticipation to Real Madrid's upcoming clash, with fans eagerly awaiting the realization of Ancelotti's tactical choices on the field.