Ancelotti Guides Arda Guler on Real’s Hierarchy

Real Madrid’s younger players must respect the hierarchy, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday amid Spanish media allegations of 20-year-old Turkish forward Arda Guler’s dissatisfaction with his supporting position as a substitute.

Guler, one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, has not appeared for Real in their previous five matches in all competitions.

“Anyone who has any question can come to my office, my door is always open,” Ancelotti told a press conference before Wednesday’s Spanish Cup semi-final first leg at Real Sociedad.

“I’ve heard of the ‘Guler Issue’ but haven’t heard of it here… All young players here have a process.

Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde… See where they are now. Joining the world’s top squad takes time. Everyone knows that or must.” After joining Real Madrid as 18-year-old South American prospects, Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Valverde played as substitutes and reserve players for the first several seasons.

After a season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, Valverde helped Real win the Champions League in 2022 and 2024. Carlo Ancelotti, whose team is second in LaLiga solely on goal difference and in the Champions League quarterfinals, claimed Arda Guler was training well.

My players and I are together daily. I see (Guler) happy every day, which is normal because I don’t want a player pleased when he’s not playing “Ancelotti stated.

It appears that the player works, learns, and wants to play. But this is only a small part of my time with him. He spends a lot of time with others, and I don’t know if they share my desire for him to progress and play for Real Madrid. If so, communication is lacking.

Good vibes in the changing room. Kylian Mbappe arrived humble and low-profile. Ego is unchanged. The veterans lead by example, and the young players gradually gain greater responsibility.”