- Arda Guler was named on the bench for Real Madrid against Mallorca
- 18-year-old midfielder was unused for the narrow 1-0 win
- Carlo Ancelotti was asked afterwards about why youngster didn’t play
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged people clamouring for Arda Guler to make his debut to “calm down” after the teenage talent was left on the bench against Mallorca.
Due to injury, Madrid had to pay €20 million (£17 million) to recruit Guler from Fenerbahce over the summer. Despite this, supporters have not yet seen the 18-year-old Turkey international play.
Staff decided last month to put off Guler’s presentation until 2024 despite the fact that he overcame his most recent setback and instead concentrate on training and enhancing his resilience and endurance.
It sparked speculation that the young player might get his opportunity in Wednesday night’s La Liga encounter against Mallorca, and he was in fact included to the matchday squad. However, Guler did not play in the close 1-0 win that Antonio Rudiger’s late header ultimately decided.
Ancelotti said, “It’s okay, calm down,” in response to questions from reporters about why Guler did not end up playing in the match. “Calm down, it’s just 18 years old. I’m well aware of it. patience from all parties. Both he and I possess it. It is essential for everyone of us to have.”
It had been a similar story for Guler in November when he was named on the bench for the clash with Rayo Vallecano. But the tight nature of the game, which finished 0-0, resulted in Ancelotti not risking throwing him at the deep end, having not played since June.
Madrid face a busy rest of the month ahead, suggesting there will be plenty of opportunity for Guler to at last make his debut for the club.
On Saturday, Ancelotti would be expected to name a youthful side to face fourth tier club Arandina in the Copa del Rey round of 32. There are potentially last 16 and quarter-final ties to play in the Copa before the end of January should Madrid progress through the rounds as expected.
Ancelotti’s team will go on to face Almeria and Las Palmas in the league, but before then will also travel to Saudi Arabia in the middle of the month for at least one game in the Supercopa de Espana.