Arda Güler has publicly praised Xabi Alonso, his former manager at Real Madrid, revealing that the Spanish tactician sent him an encouraging message following the club's Champions League quarter-final elimination by FC Bayern Munich. The Turkish midfielder expressed his admiration for Alonso's coaching philosophy and the personal connection they developed during their time together at the Bernabéu.
"After the match against Bayern Munich, he wrote to me, saying he was very proud of me," Güler told TRT Sport. "I was absolutely delighted to receive the message. I think he's a truly great manager." The gesture highlighted the bond between player and coach, even after Alonso's departure from Real Madrid in January.
Bayern Tie Ends in Controversy
The Real Madrid midfielder delivered an outstanding individual performance in the two-legged quarter-final, despite the Spanish giants' heartbreaking exit. In the second leg at the Allianz Arena, Güler scored twice—first with a clinical finish early in the match, then with a curled free-kick to briefly put Madrid ahead. However, Bayern's late surge, featuring goals from Luis Diaz (88') and Michael Olise (90'+3), proved decisive in a 4–3 aggregate triumph.
The match descended into chaos in its final moments. Güler's teammate Eduardo Camavinga was controversially dismissed, and the Turkish playmaker himself received a second yellow card following a confrontation with officials after the final whistle, adding frustration to an otherwise impressive personal display.
The Alonso Effect
Despite the Bayern disappointment, Güler reflected warmly on his experience under Alonso, who managed Real Madrid for approximately six months before his January dismissal. The 23-year-old credited the Bayer Leverkusen alumnus with providing tactical clarity and personal investment in his development. "When he asks you into his office and explains something tactically, it's hard not to be convinced," Güler explained. "He was someone who probably woke up every day thinking about how he could make a player better, how he could communicate with him."
Alonso's coaching methods centered on maximizing Güler's strengths as a ball-dominant midfielder. During last summer's Club World Cup, the manager emphasized: "Arda needs to stay close to the ball. The more touches he gets, the better he and the team perform." This tactical approach resonated deeply with the midfielder, who quickly became one of Real Madrid's early-season standout performers.
Alonso has since moved to Chelsea FC in the Premier League, while Real Madrid prepares for a managerial transition under José Mourinho. Güler remains optimistic about his former boss's future prospects and values their ongoing relationship: "I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we'll keep messaging each other." The midfielder's tribute underscores Alonso's influence on the next generation of elite talent and his growing reputation across European football's top clubs.
