Real Madrid midfielder, Arda Guler has reportedly revealed his thoughts on his limited playing time under Carlo Ancelotti.
The 20-year-old has been given more minutes of action under Xabi Alonso than the now Brazil national team head coach.
Guler was expected to have a limited debut season as a young player, and he played very little under the Italian, particularly in his second season. His future was uncertain, and he mostly saw substitute appearances.
The Turkey international discussed a variety of topics in an interview with the French sports publication L’Equipe. Among them was the time he spent on the bench in Carlo Ancelotti’s first two seasons.
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What Guler Said About Ancelotti
The youngster acknowledged that the disappointment fueled him, but he lauded the Italian tactician and his son, Davide.
“Carlo is one of the best coaches in history. We mustn’t forget that he told the press that I would be one of the best midfielders in the world. Davide (his son and assistant) always tried to help me.
“I’m grateful. When I wasn’t playing, it was tough, but it fuelled my ambition: I waited for my moment.”
Things have changed significantly under Alonso. In a new position, Guler has started nine of the 10 games in the 2025–26 season.
He mostly played as a right attacking player under Ancelotti. Guler has been dropped back, though, by the new coach, who sees him more as a No. 10.
The young Turk is playing some of his finest football since leaving Fenerbahce, and the duo appear to be getting along well.
“On the first day, he told me: ‘I know you’re instinctive, that you’re a warrior on the pitch.’ In his style of play, he often plays one-on-one in the opponent’s half, almost like man-marking.
“It takes character and aggression. But I have complete faith in his plans: if one day he asks me to play goalkeeper, I’ll buy some gloves.”
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