Croatia boss reveals brutally honest reason behind Luka Modric’s early substitution against Spain
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić has revealed that he took Luka Modric off against Spain to keep him fresh for their next match against Albania. The manager admitted that he did not see his side coming back against Spain and focus had already shifted to their next fixture.
Speaking to the media after the match, Dalić stated that he wanted Modric to get rest as the next two matches were important for them. He said:
"Luka Modrić off in the 60th minute? The game was over. We wanted to rest and preserve him for the next two important games. Our focus was already on Albania."
Spain scored three goals in the first half, and that was enough for them to get a win in their opening match at Euro 2024. The Spanish side next face Italy on Thursday (June 20) and then take on Albania on Monday (June 24).
Luka Modric not happy with his situation at Real Madrid, claims Croatia manager
Zlatko Dalić spoke about Luka Modric's situation at Real Madrid earlier this month and claimed that the midfielder was not happy. He stated that the Croatian wanted to play more but was restricted to 15-20 minutes per game.
He said (via Forbes):
"As far as I know, Luka [Modric] is not happy that he was given 15 or 20-minute doses. He wants to play as much as possible. 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."
He added:
"We talk a lot with him [Luka Modric] 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."
Luka Modric's Croatia face Albania on Wednesday and then take on Italy on Monday in their final group stage match of Euro 2024.