Four matches into Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid manager, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni have been among the standouts.

Guler has been showing his quality in a new role in midfield while Tchouameni has been performing well be it as a holding midfielder or as a centre-back in a three-man defensive line.

As Real Madrid get set to take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup tonight, both Guler and Tchouameni spoke to the media, discussing their roles under the new manager.

Guler happy with increased involvement

Kicking things off, Guler stated that he and the Real Madrid players are very excited about tonight’s quarter-final clash against the Black and Yellows, saying:

“It will be a difficult game because they have good players, but we have worked hard and I hope we win. We are very excited.”

Regarding his new role in midfield, the Turkish starlet added: “I like playing as a midfielder. I’m enjoying it a lot and I hope we continue like this. It doesn’t change much for me to have two or three players in front of me, I enjoy it either way.”

Discussing what Xabi Alonso asks of him in his new position, Guler revealed: “He wants me to play like a ten, to come into the game, to lead and help the team. I want to keep improving and helping the team.”

Finally, the youngster also commented on the tragic death of Diogo Jota, saying: “We are very sad for him, for his brother and for his family. Trent was sad too.”

Tchouameni happy to play wherever the coach asks

Tchouameni impressing under Alonso. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Tchouameni also touched upon the demands that the coach places on him as he continues to adjust to the new tactics and style of play.

“I try to do the things the coach asks me to do. Every game we understand more and more what we have to do and we have to continue like that,” he said.

Regarding his position on the pitch, the Frenchman added: “Against Juve I started playing in the middle and anything can happen. The most important thing is to play well and it doesn’t matter where I play.

“The most important thing is that I’m on the pitch and I enjoy playing with my teammates. The main thing is to win games. We are doing well and the crucial thing is to win the title.”

When asked to shed light on the differences between Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti, Tchouameni noted:

“Carlo was a fantastic coach with whom we won many titles and he has done incredible things in football. Xabi has won many things in Germany and little by little we understand his style of possession and defending all together.”

Finally, Tchouameni also spoke about the recent passing of Jota, saying: “These are things that happen sometimes. We have played against him and Trent with him. That’s why it affects us a bit more.”

Source: Real Madrid website