Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is "still messaging" former protégé Arda Guler despite departing Real Madrid. This connection could pave the way for a reunion if things fall Chelsea's way this summer.
Alonso's Brief Tenure at Real Madrid
Alonso, 44, was in charge at the Bernabeu for just seven months before being sacked in January. Yet it proved long enough for the Liverpool icon to forge an enduring relationship with Guler, whom he persuaded to stay at the club. The Turkey international had been linked with leaving Real after finding game time hard to come by under previous regimes.
Guler's Praise for Alonso
The 21-year-old recently told Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor: "The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he'd handed me the keys. It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. Now he's signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we're still messaging each other."
Reports as recently as last year indicated Guler was left feeling "invisible" under Carlo Ancelotti following a lacklustre first 18 months in Madrid. Yet everything shifted when Alonso arrived. Before this season, Guler had clocked up just 24 La Liga starts across his opening two seasons with Real. Alonso's faith saw that number surge to 25 league starts this term alone, despite injury ruling him out towards the campaign's conclusion.
Guler added: "After the match against Bayern Munich, he told me he was very proud of me. I was really happy to see the message. I hope God smooths his path. I think he's a great manager."
Chelsea's Potential Need for Guler
A moment could arrive this summer when Chelsea discover themselves in need of a player of Guler's mould. Joao Pedro is reportedly attracting attention from Barcelona and will need a suitable replacement if his attacking output is lost.
Guler went on to outline Alonso's managerial style: "When he calls you into his office and explains something about tactics, it's very hard not to be convinced. He knows exactly what you're capable of. He knows exactly what he can offer you. In other words, he is a man who, probably, wakes up every day thinking about how to improve a player, how to communicate with him."
Looking back on his spell under Alonso, Guler recalled his opening fixture: "Before our first match, when I was in the starting 11, he told me that morning, 'I want you to touch the ball more than everyone on your right.' When you hear that, it doesn't take much to be convinced."
Guler's comments paint an affectionate portrait of what lies in store from Alonso when he assumes control at Stamford Bridge on July 1. Beyond that, his observations send a clear message that the incoming Blues manager could hand Chelsea an advantage in the pursuit of Guler should he become available.
