Guti Speaks: Xabi, Mbappé, Güler, and the Demands of the Bernabéu
Real Madrid legend Guti sat down with Marca for an expansive interview in which he touched on everything from the Club World Cup and Xabi Alonso’s arrival to the pressure of the Santiago Bernabéu and his hopes for Arda Güler.
Club World Cup Ambitions
“The Club World Cup is beautiful because it’s the first. All clubs like to be seen as the first champion. With the arrival of Xabi Alonso and the new players, the team has a boost, and I think it has a chance. I see a PSG vs. Real Madrid final.”
On Xabi Alonso: A Natural Leader
“I saw him happy in training. He’s a man of the house. He was already like that as a player: very involved, talking to everyone, trying to help. The whole Real Madrid fan base is very excited about him.”
Guti also revealed that Alonso’s coaching instincts were evident even during his playing days:
“Yes, he always showed signs of coaching. Because of the position he held and the way he spoke on the pitch. He always tried to position his teammates, give instructions. He talked a lot!”
The Bernabéu: A Demanding Home
“There were times at the Bernabéu where people booed me. Nobody likes that at home. But you have to try to give your best, understand the crowd, and improve.”
“The Bernabéu is very demanding. More than tough, I’d say demanding. What you did yesterday, or last season, isn’t enough. You always have to be at your best.”
Young Talent, Nico Paz, and Club Decisions
“I would have liked to see Nico Paz in the first team. I think he left the club too early. At the time, the players were at a great level, but maybe we could have waited a little longer with him.”
“Yes, as a Real Madrid fan, I would have loved to see Raúl join the first team. But those are club decisions. It’s not enough to have been a legend: the club chooses what it thinks is best.”
Leadership in the Squad
“Both Vinicius and Mbappé are the leaders of the team. And also Bellingham, Rodrygo… Real Madrid has great players. Mbappé has made a lot of noise and had a great season, but this is about collective results, not just individual ones.”
A Hope for Arda Güler
“I hope Arda Güler does better than me. He’s the closest to my playing style: quality, talent, final pass, goal… He’s very young and grew up in a tough club. He would have played more at another team. But only coaching at Madrid toughens you up.”
