Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler talked in an interview with L’Equipe and shared his thoughts about the ongoing season and his role within the team. Güler has established himself as an undisputed starter
for coach Xabi Alonso and has performed at a very high level as a play maker.
Güler on his first few months as a Real Madrid player
“I knew I was at the biggest club in the world. But from the first training session I knew I had the qualities to play. I never doubted that I would succeed here. They told me the first year would be difficult, that it couldn’t be otherwise for a kid who only knew Turkey. They also told me I was coming for the post-Modrić and Kroos era. Everything was clear and that’s better.”
Güler on his relationship with Xabi Alonso
“The first day he told me: ‘I know what you do is instinctive, that you are a warrior on the field.’ In his football there is a lack of character and aggressiveness. But I fully trust his plans: if one day he asks me to play goalkeeper, I’ll buy myself some gloves.”
Güler on his connection with Kylian Mbappé and whether or not he sees similarities between that partnership and the Özil-Cristiano Ronaldo duo.
“The comparison is flattering, it flatters me. They achieved enormous things. But great triumphs are always achieved by the team, not just two players. Their qualities and mine are complementary. We understand each other very well, everything flows. Sometimes we talk a little before the match: ‘Today we could do this or that,’ we tell each other. Other times a look is enough.”
Güler wrapped up his interview by explaining that he still wants to win another Champions League title with Real Madrid as he feels he didn’t contribute to the 2024 title.
“I didn’t win it, it wasn’t mine. We have to go for another one. That is one of my main objectives. I want the children of my country to be able to say: ‘Arda did it, I can do it too’.”
