The Croatian, who played only 37% of the minutes of the course, accepts without splitting the role that hits him, but admits: “Nobody is happy if they don’t play.”
He played 10 minutes in the league debut against Athletic in San Mamés. He returned to play the last part of the match in the Mediterranean Games against Almería. In Balaídos, against Celta, he entered the field to play the last half hour. Modric got used to the Real Madrid bench at the start of the 2023/24 season, where he was only the starter for matchday four. Against Getafe, at the revamped Bernabéu, Modric first appeared in the team’s first photo on the course.
Modric has been showered with praise since birth. He deserved it for the way he performed on the field, but also for the way he acted off the field. His Croatian team-mate Andrej Kramaric summed it up very well after they were knocked out by Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar: “We all know how many nice words have been written about Luka and what he means not only for Croatia but for the whole world. did” .
The fault lies in the passage of time and it is normal for it to be, but these are not easy days for Luka in the sport. Even at the age of 38, no star gets used to a supporting role. But Modric accepts it with the chivalry that has always marked him. Even if he only played 133 minutes of the 360 possible minutes in LaLiga, which amounts to 36.94% of the total. The arrival of Jude Bellingham, who paints for ‘idolazo’ in Chamartín, and the step forward of Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde or Tchouaméni, have left the still Croatian international in the background. But Modric accepts Ancelotti’s decision with the humility of the greats.
“I won’t sink if I don’t play, on the contrary”
In recent hours, some statements by the former Tottenham player were known from the concentration with the Croatian national team. In an interview with “Sportske Novoste”, They asked about his situation in Madrid and the three consecutive substitutions. And although they sold it as “torn” somewhere, his response was sincere and glorified him. “Three games on the bench? No one is happy if you don’t play. I’ve never been on the bench for three games in a row. I found that feeling strange, but the coach decides. I’m definitely going to do it. I won’t sink if you don’t play, but quite the opposite.”
And he added: “The club, Ancelotti and I had clear talks and agreements. My only condition for staying was that they treat me as a competitive player and not keep me in the squad because of past merits. I I’m competitive, I know that.” “I can still contribute to Real Madrid. Two months ago I played 120 minutes twice for Croatia. Physically I can perform at previous levels. That’s why I wanted to stay. And when the club and Ancelotti said nothing would change my status , I signed.” I just talked to Ancelotti, he wanted to talk to me. We have a very good relationship. I am completely calm, I am aware that I have to keep working and that we have a lot of competition in midfield. These youngsters are top level players”.
It is clear that when Modric speaks, it is time to shut up and listen. Accepting reality without making so much noise is something for champions, and he’s one of them. Meanwhile, Luka could start for Croatia against Latvia on Wednesday when the two teams meet in the qualifiers heading into Euro 2024 in Germany.
Source: Goal