Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin has revealed that he is in regular contact with Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler, who is, as Sahin was at one stage, the great young hope for Turkiye. Sahin left Dortmund for Los Blancos as a young player too, albeit much older than Guler, and the pair have a relationship.
In the build-up to the match, Sahin was asked for his opinion on the 19-year-old, who has had a microscope placed on him since his arrival.
“My opinion is very good, I hope he wins many titles with Madrid and with Turkiye. The fight for minutes is for Arda and for everyone in Madrid. It's good, he scores decisive goals. I talk every day with Arda Guler, it's like my brother. I hope his future is very good.”
Speaking ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Sahin was back at the stadium where he spent a year in 2011-12 under Jose Mourinho, although he was severely hampered by injuries. He then went on loan to Liverpool.
“It means a lot to me. It was always my dream to play in Madrid. Even though you crushed me because of my injuries, it was a different time. My son was born in this city. I have the privilege of being in this stadium tomorrow. It will always be special for me, not only for football, but also for the family,” said Sahin Marco.
Guler had a tough start to life in Madrid too, missing the first six months of action due to injury, before finally being fit at the start of 2024. Earning minutes in the latter stages of the season, Guler made three starts this year, accumulating. 291 minutes in total spread over 10 appearances. Carlo Ancelotti said he was happy with his progress.
