Once again snubbed by Carlo Ancelotti against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, Arda Güler is receiving a massive wave of support from Turkey. After the 3-1 victory, Turkish TV commentator Ömer Üründül made a strong demand to his young compatriot.
As we pointed out earlier in the day, Arda Güler is going through a rough patch at Real Madrid. While he benefited from injuries to several squad members, including Brahim Díaz, to get playing time at the start of the season, the young player, who will turn 20 on February 25, is now stuck on the bench. He hasn’t played a single minute in the last four matches. Despite the significant lead on Wednesday night against Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti opted to bring on Modrić, Endrick, and Camavinga instead.
The anger in Turkey
In Turkey, the situation is causing frustration. Watching their young talent waste away on the Real Madrid bench during such a crucial stage of the season, many Turkish fans are demanding change. After the match against City, Ömer Üründül did not hold back his frustration. Speaking bluntly, he called for Güler to leave Madrid: “The match is 3-0. There are 8 minutes left. What’s the point of bringing on Modrić? You’re not playing Arda Güler in this match. Arda Güler absolutely needs to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. This can’t go on like this. It’s a disgrace.”
It’s a strong statement that many in Turkey agree with. Having arrived in the Spanish capital over a year ago, Güler is still in the learning phase. In a team where competition is fierce, the young midfielder has struggled to convince Carlo Ancelotti, who favours players with a stronger defensive contribution.
What to expect from Ancelotti?
If Arda Güler played more in the first half of the season, it was mainly due to Brahim Díaz’s injury and Rodrygo Goes’ fitness issues. At the start of 2025, Turkey’s golden boy benefited from Copa del Rey matches to get game time. However, with all attacking options now fully fit and Real Madrid progressing to the decisive stages of various competitions, Ancelotti has shifted his approach.
Currently, Brahim Díaz is ahead of Arda Güler in the pecking order. Alongside Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo Goes, who are both performing well, the 65-year-old coach is unlikely to change his plans. For the 20-year-old, the situation looks bleak. As many Turkish fans suggest, a loan move might be the best solution for Güler to get more minutes. Just like Nico Paz, who has become a key player for Italian side Como after leaving Madrid, Güler’s camp will need to seriously consider the young star’s future.
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