Real Madrid prodigy Arda Guler said that he has been working on his 'mentality' after scoring the ... [+]
Real Madrid prodigy Arda Guler revealed that he has been working on his 'mentality' after scoring the winner against Real Sociedad on Friday.
Guler's first half strike proved to be the only goal of the game in Anoeta, with a 1-0 victory ahead of their Champions League semifinal first leg at Bayern Munich giving Los Blancos a comfortable 14-point lead at the La Liga summit.
Guler's manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the youngster in a post-match interview and confirmed that the Turkey international will be staying at the club next season.
"There's no doubt he'll stay here next year," Ancelotti said, amid rumors that Guler might be loaned out.
"I really liked his great attitude, fighting and fighting for every ball. He's going to be very important in the future," Ancelotti predicted about his midfielder, who has "an extraordinary quality, a lot of talent".
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Guler thanked the Italian and his teammates after saying he was "very happy for the goal and for the win".
"The quality of the players here is incredible and we have shown that we are all ready to help," he added, before explaining some of the things he has been doing to try and earn more minutes in a maiden season on Spanish soil where there have been few.
"I don't just work on my physique, but also on my mentality. I'm being patient," Guler insisted.
With Bayern on the horizon, Guler said that "the Champions League belongs to Real Madrid and we hope to get a good result in Munich for the second leg".
Because of the magnitude of the tie, it will be difficult for Guler to make his second consecutive start after getting the nod in Anoeta.
The same logic doesn't apply to his fellow benchwarmer this term in Luka Modric, however, who Ancelotti said has chances to make it three-in-a-row in the starting XI after also lining up in El Clasico against FC Barcelona.
"He has shown, as in recent games, an optimal physical condition handling the ball very well in the second half to evade the pressure of Real Sociedad. His [physical] condition is spectacular and of course he can play on Tuesday," Ancelotti remarked about the Croat.
