Luka Modric admits being 'unhappy' with reduced role at Real Madrid

The Croatian talisman won the Ballon d’Or in 2018

Luka Modric signed for Real Madrid in 2012, and since then has become one of the most decorated footballers of the generation, at least at the club level. He alongside Toni Kroos has been the backbone and the face of the Real Madrid midfield. In his 11 years at the club, Modric has won 23 titles with the Los Blancos, including three LaLiga titles and five Champions League titles.

Modric has been a mainstay in Madrid’s squad and has been a regular starter for the club in his more than a decade-long stay. Up until last season, he was one of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s main men. For Madrid fans, the Croatian has been a familiar face in the last decade with many big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and most recently, Karim Benzema leaving the club.

Modric’s story at the Bernabeu looked to continue as he signed a year-long contract extension, despite being 37 and having hefty offers from outfits in football’s new retirement home, Saudi Arabia.

However, Modric has been used very differently this season, for the first time in over a decade, he has not been a starter and has been seen in a reduced role. He has started in just one out of Real Madrid’s first four games. And although he has been subbed on as a substitute in the remaining three, his cumulative playtime after four games has added up to 133 minutes.

To be fair, Real Madrid arguably have the best midfield in all of Europe, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Aurelin Tchouameni have been preferred over veterans in Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Madrid have deep reserves to dive into as the likes of Dani Ceballos and Arda Guler await their opportunities. And their marquee signing Jude Bellingham has set the LaLiga on fire and is already a fan favourite.

Modric’s reduced role has definitely left him dissatisfied, the midfield maestro while speaking to Sportske Novosti, was quoted as saying. –

“No-one is happy when they don’t play. After my entire career [starting], that feeling is especially strange to me. But well, the coach has decided for his own reasons. I won’t sink or ease off because of that. The opposite.”

“They wanted me to stay and I had the same desire. My only condition for staying was that they treat me as a competitive player, and that they do not keep me in the squad based on past merits. They told me nothing about my status would change, and that’s why I signed.”

However, Modric was also quick to compliment the competition in the midfield and remarked on how the more experienced players have to help the newer players in their development. –

“I am aware that we have a lot of competition in the midfield, that these youngsters are top-level players, that is why they are at Madrid. We older players must help them progress and gradually assume our roles. What I am clear about is that I will work to be among the protagonists this season.”

Talking about his future at the Bernabeu, he remarked. –

“We will see how things develop, if in the future it turns out that I am no longer important, then I would think about what to do. Other clubs came to me with interest, but my goal has always been Real Madrid.”

It is quite possible that he might end up leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season citing reduced playing time. However, his legacy as one of Real Madrid’s finest ever is cemented and will be hard to replicate for those who are considered to be the future of the Los Blancos midfield.