‘He had handed me the keys’: Guler talks Alonso, Ancelotti, Arbeloa, Mbappe, Real Madrid | OneFootball

Having enjoyed a successful season on an individual level, Real Madrid midfield starlet Arda Guler has his sights set on shining for Turkiye at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has been nominated for the La Liga U23 Player of the Season, sat down for an interview with TRT Spor (h/t MARCA) recently, during which he discussed various aspects pertaining to the club.

On his relationship with Xabi Alonso

Guler played an important role under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid in the first half of the season and spoke positively about the relationship he built with the manager, whose project ended earlier than expected.

“The truth is that we had a wonderful relationship. I felt that he had handed me the keys. It was exactly what I had been looking for, truly,” he said.

The Turkish midfielder also wished his former manager success in his new project in London.

“Now he has signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we still exchange messages,” Guler added.

Guler spoke positively about his relationship with Alonso. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

One of those messages arrived after Real Madrid’s match against Bayern Munich, where Guler produced an impressive performance despite the defeat.

“After the match against Bayern Munich, he told me that he was very proud of me. I was very happy when I saw the message. I hope God smooths his path ahead. I believe he is a truly great manager,” he revealed.

Another topic frequently discussed during Xabi Alonso’s time in charge concerned his tactical methods and the way he communicated ideas to players.

Discussing that aspect of his management, Guler explained: “When he calls you into his office and explains something about tactics, it is very difficult not to become convinced. He knows very well what you are capable of.

“He understands very well what he can bring out of you. He was the type of man who probably woke up every day thinking about how to improve this player and how to communicate with him.”

The midfielder also recalled a story from his first match of the season under the manager.

“Before our first match, when I was in the starting eleven, he said to me in the morning: ‘I want you to touch the ball more than everyone to your right.’ When you hear something like that, it does not take much convincing.”

On Ancelotti and others

Guler also discussed current and former teammates, as well as coaches who have influenced him.

Guler and Mbappe have developed a strong partnership. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Speaking about Kylian Mbappe, he said: “Our view of football is quite similar.”

He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, saying:

“I feel very fortunate to have learned things from Luka Modric.”

Regarding coaches, Guler spoke positively about Alvaro Arbeloa, stating that they have “very good communication” and admitting that he would have liked to finish the season with a trophy.

He also revealed words previously spoken to him by Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian having told him: “You will become one of the best midfielders of the future.”