After Real Madrid's heavy 5-2 defeat to Barcelona, calls for change are growing, particularly from the club's fanbase. In a recent poll conducted by Marca, Real Madrid supporters expressed a strong desire for Arda Guler to play a more prominent role in the team, especially in midfield. This request contrasts with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s current approach.
The poll results were striking. Thousands of Real Madrid fans participated, and an overwhelming 46% of respondents selected Arda Guler as part of an ideal midfield alongside Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham.
This percentage was far ahead of the next most popular option, which received only 25%. These results demonstrate the fanbase's belief in Guler’s potential to be a key player in the team.
However, these poll results differ from Ancelotti’s decisions. The experienced Italian coach has yet to integrate Guler into his starting XI, and the young talent has seen limited playing time. Despite Guler’s evident potential, Ancelotti has not fully utilized what many fans consider a valuable asset in midfield. This creates an extra pressure on Ancelotti which, some argue, he deserves.
The poll reflects a growing sentiment among supporters that Guler’s creative and technical abilities could make a significant contribution to the team’s midfield. Many fans believe his style of play would complement the team’s tactical needs, especially in terms of ball progression and creativity.
This situation raises questions about the alignment between the coach’s strategies and the desires of the fans. The clear demand for Guler to play a more prominent role may push Ancelotti to reconsider his current tactics and player selection. While Ancelotti has enjoyed success at the helm, the overwhelming support for Guler from the fanbase suggests that change could be coming.