Xabi Alonso is still messaging one Real Madrid star in particular and may give Chelsea an inside advantage if they bid to sign the player
Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is "still messaging" former protégé Arda Guler despite departing Real Madrid. And it's that connection with the player that could pave the way for a reunion should things fall Chelsea's way this summer.
Alonso, 44, was in charge at the Bernabeu for just seven months before being sacked in January. Yet it's evident that 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. And that vote of confidence could see the duo join forces once more if Guler's complimentary remarks are any indication.
The 21-year-old has even revealed they remain in contact, recently telling Turkish broadcaster TRT Spor: "The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship. I felt as though he'd handed me the keys.
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"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 at the Bernabeu, an encouraging sign that any player at Stamford Bridge will receive a fair chance under the new manager.
Before this season, Guler had clocked up just 24 La Liga starts across his opening two seasons with Real. Yet Alonso's faith in the player saw that number surge to 25 league starts this term alone, even despite injury ruling him out towards the campaign's conclusion.
"After the match against Bayern Munich [in the Champions League quarter-finals], he told me he was very proud of me," added Guler. "I was really happy to see the message. I hope God smooths his path. I think he's a great manager."
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 in greater depth and praised the Spaniard's tactical intelligence: "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, whom he's said to miss, he recalled his opening fixture of the campaign: "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 ultimately 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.