Karanka has faith in Sahin

Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka has backed Nuri Sahin to force his way into first-team contention.

Turkey international Sahin agreed a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in May, fresh from helping Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title.

He has made just one La Liga appearance for Real so far this season, but Karanka is confident the 23-year-old will prove his worth in the Spanish capital.

“I think it’s a bit of everything,” Karanka said when asked about Sahin’s struggle to adapt.

“The best way for a player to get match fit is by playing matches and he hasn’t had those opportunities recently so he hasn’t achieved good form yet.”

“Obviously for him it’s important to feel confident especially as he was an important player in Germany and now he’s not getting the opportunities that he needs.”

“We are sure that he will overcome these challenges.”

On Saturday league leaders Real travel to face mid-table Getafe, who have won two matches in succession and are unbeaten from their last six outings in all competitions.

“They are difficult opponents,” Karanka said.

“They’ve beat Barcelona in Getafe.”

“At the beginning of the year the manager wasn’t achieving the results he wanted but he’s slowly improved and made a very good group of players.”

“They defend very well and play the counter-attacks very well. It will be a very difficult match but it’s just another match so we have to take it as it is.”