Carlo Ancelotti on Guler’s Lack of Game Time
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been at the forefront of addressing the concerns surrounding the lack of playing time for young starlets Arda Guler and Endrick Felipe. At a recent press conference ahead of Los Blancos’ Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, Ancelotti spoke candidly about the situation. While Kylian Mbappe will travel with the team despite undergoing a minor dental procedure, the focus has largely been on the two promising youngsters.
Guler’s Struggles and Ancelotti’s Approach
Arda Guler, a 19-year-old Turkish sensation, has been a hot topic in the Madrid media. He has only managed 76 minutes in the last seven games, a stark contrast to the expectations set after his strong finish to last season. Ancelotti addressed the "Guler Case" head-on, emphasizing that it is part of a natural process. He compared Guler’s development to that of fellow young talents like Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Valverde, all of whom faced initial challenges before breaking into the first team. Ancelotti acknowledged the player’s frustration but stressed the importance of patience and consistent effort.
Communication and Support for Guler
Ancelotti also highlighted the need for better communication to support Guler’s growth. He explained that while he sees a player who is eager to improve and play, he is aware that Guler might be receiving different messages from other sources. "I spend a lot of time with him, but he interacts with many people. It’s crucial that everyone is on the same page to facilitate his development and ensure he can contribute to Real Madrid soon," Ancelotti noted. The manager’s approach underscores a commitment to nurturing young talent, even if it means enduring short-term discomfort.
Endrick’s Development and Future Prospects
Similarly, Endrick Felipe, the Brazilian prodigy, has also faced limited playing time. There has been speculation about him following in the footsteps of Vinicius and Rodrygo, who both had to work their way into the first team. Ancelotti was clear that Endrick is on a different trajectory due to his unique characteristics. "Endrick is going to be a great forward, I have no doubt. There is no Endrick case, for now," he stated. The manager’s confidence in Endrick’s potential serves to reassure both the player and the fans, despite the current lack of game time.
Addressing Criticism and Veteran Preference
Ancelotti has often been criticized for his preference for veteran players over younger talent. He addressed this during the press conference, drawing a parallel between veterans and grandparents. "Veterans are like grandparents who sometimes you get tired of them talking every day. There are people who are tired of seeing my face every day, but the experience they bring is invaluable," he explained. Ancelotti sees himself as a child in terms of enthusiasm but acknowledges the importance of experience and knowledge, which can only come with time.
Raul Asencio and the Return of David Alaba
Raul Asencio, another young player, has recently received more opportunities, but there is a possibility that he might lose his place again with the return of David Alaba. Ancelotti praised Alaba’s performance in his first game back from a serious knee injury, noting that the defender played 70 minutes and is fully recovered. This return adds another layer of competition for the young players, highlighting the challenges they face in breaking into a squad brimming with seasoned professionals.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Carlo Ancelotti’s approach to managing the expectations and development of young talent at Real Madrid is a delicate balancing act. While he acknowledges the challenges faced by players like Arda Guler and Endrick Felipe, he remains committed to their long-term growth. The manager’s confidence in their potential and his emphasis on communication and patience offer a glimpse into the strategy behind one of the world’s most successful football clubs. As the season progresses, the focus will be on how these young talents adapt and contribute to the team’s successes.
