The reason why Ancelotti is not showing confidence in Real Madrid prodigy – report

Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching decisions regarding Arda Guler have raised eyebrows, particularly due to the young player’s limited playing time this season.

Guler has managed to clock only 239 minutes in La Liga, placing him among the players with the least game time.

Only a handful of teammates, including Andriy Lunin, Jesus Vallejo, Endrick, Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, and Brahim Diaz—three of whom have been sidelined by injuries—have played less than him.

After a challenging previous season, expectations were high for Guler to carve out a significant role in the squad.

However, this has not materialised, as evidenced by his absence from the starting lineup against Villarreal. Many are left wondering why Ancelotti is placing so little trust in the talented midfielder.

Why is Guler not playing?

According to journalist Rodra, the answer may lie in Guler’s performance during training at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas facility. Reports indicate that Ancelotti has expressed dissatisfaction with Guler’s defensive contributions during practice sessions.

While there is no question about Guler’s offensive capabilities, the coaching staff is looking for him to exhibit greater intensity and commitment during defensive drills.

Ancelotti has communicated these expectations to Guler, who has responded with diligent efforts on the pitch, notably during the match against Real Sociedad.

Ancelotti is asking for more

However, the coach is seeking even more from him during training sessions. Ancelotti tends to highlight defensive actions among his players, often applauding those who show commitment in that area more than those who shine offensively.

This emphasis on defensive work is crucial in Ancelotti’s tactical setup, which prioritises a strong defensive foundation. This focus explains why, despite the promising context of the match against Villarreal, Guler was not included in the starting XI.

The competition for places in the squad is fierce, and it seems that Guler must continue to enhance his defensive skills if he hopes to gain more playing time in the future.