Arda Guler praises former manager Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has spoken warmly about his time working under Xabi Alonso. Despite a turbulent period for the club, the Turkish youngster praised the Spaniard's professional approach and revealed that the pair remain in contact following Alonso's departure.

Guler disclosed that Alonso sent him a congratulatory message following the Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich. Although the match ended in a 4-3 defeat for the Spanish side in Munich, Guler impressed by scoring twice past Manuel Neuer.

We really had a great relationship. I felt as though he'd handed me the keys. That's exactly what I was looking for, really. Arda Guler

The midfielder highlighted that Alonso's tactical guidance was always convincing, noting that the coach was constantly focused on player development. He described how the former manager would meticulously explain concepts to help individual players improve.

Alonso is now managing Chelsea in the Premier League, and Guler expressed his hope that the manager finds success in England. Meanwhile, back at the Bernabeu, reports suggest that Jose Mourinho is the frontrunner to take over, as the club looks to recover after two seasons without a trophy following the tenures of Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.