Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in Arda Guler’s potential for success at Real Madrid, commending the young player’s character following his long-awaited club debut on Saturday night.
In the Copa del Rey clash against Arandina, Los Blancos secured a 3-1 away victory with goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo. Guler, the Turkish international, had previously been on the Madrid bench without making an appearance but showcased his dynamism during his hour-long debut. He struck the post from a free-kick and created three chances for his teammates.
Ancelotti acknowledged Guler’s performance, stating, “He played for an hour at a good level. Obviously, he is not at the physical level. He showed his quality. He showed it in the first half. I said we have to be patient with him. He has personality, he has character. That’s good. He stands out for the quality he has with his feet, but character is also important to do well at Real Madrid.”
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Goalscorer Joselu also praised Guler, calling him a “diamond” with abundant quality. Madrid has been cautious with the 18-year-old since his summer transfer from Fenerbahce due to various injury concerns, particularly related to knee and muscle problems.
Looking ahead, Guler hopes to be included in Madrid’s squad for the upcoming Supercopa de Espana, with a semi-final against Atletico Madrid scheduled for Wednesday night in Saudi Arabia. Ancelotti faces challenges with injuries to key players like Lucas Vazquez, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba, but the return of Eduardo Camavinga provides a significant boost for the Italian manager, with the midfielder playing for the first time since November.