Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti publicly addressed the concerns of young midfielder Arda Guler, who has expressed frustration over limited playing time since joining from Fenerbahce last summer.

Guler, currently 18, has only made five appearances for Real Madrid, partly due to injury setbacks. Even after his return in early 2024, he hasn’t secured a regular role in Ancelotti’s squad.

READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs

Responding to questions about Guler’s situation, Ancelotti urged patience. He emphasized the fierce competition for midfield positions and acknowledged Guler’s difficulties due to injuries.

Ancelotti made it clear that Guler is ‘good enough’ to play and start games for Real but there is a lot of competition for a starting roll and that due to injuries it has been ‘harder’ for him to get into the team.

Despite Guler’s limited playing time, Ancelotti expressed his belief in the youngster’s talent, stating: “It’s just a question of competition with the others. I have to choose the 11 to play and sometimes, often due to injuries, it has been harder for him to get into the team. He’s very young, he has to be patient, but he’s good enough to play and to start games.”

The lack of playing time has resulted in rumours that Guler could be loaned out at the end of the season but as things stand the board, manager and player himself want him to stay on at Real.

Guler has featured in the last two league games for Real and he will be hoping to get playing time today at home in the La Liga clash against Sevilla.

The 18-year-old has made five appearances in all competitions this season playing a total of 92 minutes in total.