Real Madrid, who lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals in London, suffered another 2-1 defeat at the Bernabéu last night, bidding farewell to the tournament.

Carlo Ancelotti is the main target of Real Madrid fans today. However, the harshest criticism is not from Spanish fans but from Turks. Turkish media and social media users are furious at Ancelotti’s treatment of Arda Güler and have seized the opportunity to attack him.

Despite making five substitutions last night, Ancelotti did not give Güler a single minute on the pitch to potentially turn the game around. A broadcast image of Güler looking frustrated on the bench sparked outrage among Turkish fans, who flooded social media with posts attacking Ancelotti.

Ali Güneş, former Turkish national team player and ex-Fenerbahçe star, accused Ancelotti, saying that Real Madrid’s early Champions League exit and their struggles in La Liga have only one culprit: Carlo Ancelotti. He claimed that Güler was an irreplaceable star at Fenerbahçe and could have helped Real Madrid, but Ancelotti chose to waste his talent.

Ali Güneş added: “In a game where Real needed goals, Ancelotti decided to send Luka Modrić instead of Arda Güler. Modrić is a world-class midfielder, but his specialty is ball retention, not creating scoring chances. In such a match, Güler should have played—a player known for his deep passes and ability to create dangerous opportunities, even if he lacks physical strength. Had he been given more playing time earlier in the season, he would now be one of Real’s key stars.”

He further stated that many in Turkey expect Xabi Alonso to become Real Madrid’s next manager, believing he would support Güler: “In Turkey, everyone expects Alonso to take over. We have no doubt he will give Arda a chance. Xabi even contacted Fenerbahçe while at Bayer Leverkusen to inquire about a loan move for Güler. He knows exactly what potential this kid has.”