Carlo Ancelotti hints at Arda Guler’s inclusion in Copa del Rey match against Arandina.
Posted By Yahaya Garba
January 6, 2024
12:22 pm
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Guler, a summer arrival in Madrid, generated excitement but faced immediate knee surgery, causing prolonged sideline presence.
Despite three games as an unused substitute, including the recent La Liga match against Mallorca, the 18-year-old seems poised to showcase his talent.
Ancelotti, confirming Guler’s availability, stated, “[Starting] is an option.” While Madrid is the clear favorite against a struggling fourth-tier Spanish side in their upcoming match, a prior encounter with a team from the same division didn’t unfold as planned.
In the January 2023 Copa del Rey third-round clash against Cacereno, Madrid secured a 1-0 victory, but the uneasy nature of the win left fans and Ancelotti uneasy for a significant portion of the game.
Key first-team players like Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni started, with Federico Valverde and Antonio Rudiger entering from the bench when things didn’t unfold as planned.
Reflecting on the past encounter, Ancelotti emphasized the need for seriousness, stating, “I would say that it will be complicated like it was against Cacereno.
You have to take it seriously.” Acknowledging fatigue, he mentioned some rotation but assured competitiveness.
Emphasizing the team’s focus and motivation, Ancelotti reiterated the significance of the competition and the joy it has brought to the team.