A Carlo Ancelotti player sulks after the 3-1 against City – he is very frustrated!

Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League was a night to remember for Los Blancos. The Santiago Bernabéu roared in delight as Kylian Mbappé stole the show with a breathtaking hat-trick, sealing a 3-1 win that cemented Real Madrid’s place in the next round. However, while celebrations erupted, one player found little reason to rejoice.

Amidst the joy of the squad, Arda Güler remained noticeably absent from the festivities. The young Turkish talent, who had high hopes for this season, has found himself sidelined and increasingly frustrated by his lack of playing time. His body language spoke volumes on the night, as he sat on the bench, watching others take to the pitch while he remained an unused substitute once again.

Güler had been expected to feature in the latter stages of the match, especially with Madrid comfortably leading by three goals. Instead, Carlo Ancelotti opted to bring on Endrick and David Alaba, leaving Güler rooted to his seat. This was not a one-time disappointment—he has now gone four consecutive matches without playing a single minute.

The midfielder’s situation has become a hot topic among Real Madrid supporters, many of whom believe he deserves more opportunities. At the end of 2024, Güler had started to integrate more into the team, showing glimpses of his talent and attacking prowess. However, with the return of injured players and the rise of Brahim Díaz, his role has diminished significantly.

Reports suggest that Ancelotti has reservations about Güler’s defensive contributions, which has limited his opportunities. While his offensive qualities are undeniable, the Italian coach prioritizes a balanced approach, and at this stage of the season, every tactical decision carries significant weight.

Güler’s frustration is understandable. He left Fenerbahçe with dreams of making an impact at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and while he has had moments to shine, his current reality is a stark contrast to what he envisioned. The midfielder is reportedly considering his options, with murmurs of a potential departure growing louder.

Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Güler’s continued absence. His fanbase remains loyal, expressing disappointment over his lack of opportunities. Many believe his talent is being wasted on the bench, and some have called for Ancelotti to reconsider his stance.

From Ancelotti’s perspective, the decision to bench Güler is purely tactical. The coach has always been clear about his high standards, especially when it comes to young players. If Güler wants more game time, he will have to prove that he can contribute in all phases of the game, not just in attack.

This raises questions about what the future holds for the young midfielder. If he continues to struggle for minutes, he may push for a loan move or even a permanent transfer in search of regular football. Several clubs across Europe would undoubtedly be interested in a player of his potential.

As Real Madrid continues to thrive, Ancelotti’s decisions will largely be judged by results. For now, the team is performing at a high level, and it’s difficult to argue against his choices. But if the season progresses and Güler remains unused, discontent may grow, both within the squad and among the fans.

For Güler, the coming weeks will be crucial. Whether he gets a chance to prove himself or remains on the fringes could determine his next steps. He may still have a future at Madrid, but he will need to seize any opportunities that come his way.

In the meantime, the frustration lingers. A young talent, eager to showcase his abilities, sits and waits, hoping for a moment to remind the world why Real Madrid signed him in the first place. But in a team filled with superstars, patience is often a virtue—one that Arda Güler is struggling to maintain.