“I know what I can give to the team” - Luka Modric discusses his role in the Real Madrid squad following UEFA Champions League victory over Dortmund
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has opened up about his role in the team. It comes after Los Blancos' 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 22.
After much speculation about his future, Modric signed a one-year contract extension with the Spanish giants in the summer. With Toni Kroos retiring, the 39-year-old has played a key role in midfield for the club this season. He's made 14 appearances and started just six games but has provided three assists.
Modric has often looked to bring control and composure in midfield in what has been a season of underwhelming performances for Real Madrid so far. He also started in their win over Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, playing 71 minutes.
After the match, he was asked about his role in the team and he said (via Madrid Xtra):
"My role? The team is the most important thing. I'm here to help always. I feel good physically and mentally, I know what I can give to the team. I always want to play but Ancelotti decides how to use me and so far I'm happy. I feel really, really good."
Modric completed 59/64 passes against Dortmund, made two key passes, and completed 2/2 dribble attempts. He also won 3/6 duels and made one interception, one clearance, and one tackle. These stats are taken from Sofascore and updated until October 23, 1:00 pm IST, and are subject to change.
Luka Modric on Real Madrid's win over Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid had a poor first half that saw them 2-0 down against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 30th minute before Jamie Bynoe-Gittens scored another four minutes later.
However, Los Blancos bounced back incredibly in the second half and it all started with Antonio Rudiger's goal in the 60th minute. Vinicius Jr. scored the equaliser just two minutes before Lucas Vazquez gave the hosts the lead in the 83rd minute. Vinicius then completed his hat-trick, scoring in the 86th and 90+3rd minute to secure a big win for Real Madrid.
After the match, Luka Modric shared his thoughts on his side's performance and said (via UEFA.com):
"An amazing game, an amazing performance - in the second half. We should forget about the first half, we didn't play well. We started very slowly. We allowed Dortmund to play too easily. We didn't press, we weren't aggressive and we lost too many balls.
"In the second half, we changed completely and we showed what this team is capable of. It's how we can and should play. Hopefully, this will be like a turning point for us to play like this in the coming games because important games are coming for us."
Real Madrid will next take on arch-rivals Barcelona in the El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga on Saturday, October 26.