José Mourinho calls journalists to account over Arda Güler

Interview

The Real Madrid coach defends his Turkish midfielder ahead of the visit of Sevilla FC

Europe Today at 06:12

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José Mourinho calls journalists to account over Arda Güler

18.10.26 15:00 LaLiga Spain

Real Madrid

Sevilla

José Mourinho was not impressed by a question about Arda Güler’s role at Real Madrid. At a press conference ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Sevilla FC, scheduled for the ninth round of La Liga, the Portuguese coach strongly defended his player, believing that the media did not sufficiently acknowledge his work.

Mourinho steps up to defend Güler

Asked about the use of Arda Güler in Real Madrid’s midfield, Mourinho answered directly. The coach believes that the young Turkish international’s positive performances are too often attributed to luck, while the team’s difficulties lead to searches for someone to blame:

I get the impression that you have a great deal of difficulty recognising the merit of those who deserve it. It seems that positive things happen by chance, while everyone looks for someone to blame when things go wrong.

The Portuguese coach then wanted to emphasise the potential of his 21-year-old midfielder. “Arda is a very talented player and, fortunately, he has not yet reached his full maturity. He has the ability to play in different positions. I am very happy about that,” added the Real Madrid coach.

A versatile profile in midfield

Mourinho also explained what he expects from a player operating in midfield. In his view, a midfielder must possess a sufficiently broad range of qualities to contribute to the different phases of the game:

A midfielder has to be a midfielder. A player who only defends is limited. And someone who only attacks would be better off not playing in midfield. It is a very difficult position that requires many qualities.

Mourinho’s comments come on the eve of an important La Liga fixture for Real Madrid, who host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Madrid club will be looking to continue its progress in the league, with an Arda Güler whom his coach appears determined to shield from criticism.