Life has changed a lot for Nuri Sahin since he left the pitch to dedicate himself to the bench. The midfielder has admitted on occasion that he was not happy when he played football. In a statement to Tuttomercato, He assures that 2011 was “the most difficult year of his life”. On said date, the Turk dared to make the leap from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. As soon as he started, he injured his knee and was far from living up to expectations (ten official matches, one goal).
“As a player he was sure that he could play for Madrid, he was a top player. That’s not enough for there. You also have to be mentally strong. The training never stops, with the injuries I had I was not prepared. I trained with world-class players and had quality, but after the injuries I couldn’t stand the pressure and tension. I was impatient, looking back, I should have been patient. Everyone told me: ‘You are in Madrid, you must be happy’. But that is not enough”.
“As a player, I was sure that I could play for Madrid, I was a top player. That’s not enough for there. You also have to be mentally strong.”
“The day I left we talked and what I love about Mourinho is that he is honest. Straight. He looks you in the eye and tells you everything. If you’re good, you’re good, if you’re not, you’re not. I was young and I felt guilty and he would ask me, ‘Why are you doing this??’ Now that I’m a coach I understand that, I don’t see anything wrong with that.” At 34, Sahin now enjoys managing Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super League.