Real Madrid legend Luka Modric is not happy with his situation at the club, which consists of him … [+]
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric is not happy with his situation at the club – which consists of him playing “15 or 20 minute doses” a match – according to Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, who said as much to HRT Television.
Modric is on the brink of signing a contract renewal at the Bernabeu as reported by MARCA this week.
He won the treble in the recently-concluded club season, which entailed him equalling Madrid great Paco Gento alongside Toni Kroos, Nacho and Dani Carvajal as the most successful player of all time in the European Cup with six triumphs.
Yet compared to other campaigns enjoyed since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric couldn’t boast as much protagonism as before and this made him unhappy according to Dalic.
“As far as I know, Luka is not happy that he was given 15 or 20-minute doses. He wants to play as much as possible,” Dalic said on Croatian television.
“It’s a bit strange that a 38-year-old footballer wants to play so much, but Modric is in very good physical shape and only needs games. The more games [he has], the better Luka is. And that is something that he also shows at Real Madrid.
“He didn’t like those situations where he came on for 15 minutes, but that’s the way it is. Madrid is a great club and has many quality players,” Dalic added.
“We talk a lot with him about what he should play in the national team. Sometimes we have wanted to rest him, but he has always tried to play as much as possible. The national team is a good preparation, a great training for him. I’m aware that sometimes we have to cut minutes from him, but he gives his best in whatever position he plays.”
With the Euros set to kick off this weekend, and Croatia more specifically set to get its campaign underway against Modric’s adopted homeland Spain, Dalic said that he expects “great things” from the veteran.
“I know he will be ready and God willing he will be healthy. He needs as many games as possible, but he may have to be substituted in the last 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the result. Although I’m sure he’ll prefer to play the whole game,” Dalic concluded.