"It's not good" - Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic hints at frustrations at Real Madrid over superstar Luka Modric ahead of Euro 2024
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has admitted he's concerned with Luka Modric's reduced playing time at Real Madrid this season. The veteran midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Dalic spoke after announcing Vatreni's 26-man squad for this summer's European Championships, including Modric. His national team manager is confident the iconic midfielder will shine in Germany but voiced his concerns with his game time at the Bernabeu (via Madrid Xtra):
"Luka Modric playing less this season? It's not good for Luka to be dosed, he has to be on the pitch every game, then he is even better. He played less games this season, but we expect him to be our leader in Germany."
Modric, 38, started 23 of 44 games across competitions for Real Madrid, posting two goals and eight assists. It's one of the most withdrawn campaigns he's experienced during his 12-year spell with the La Liga giants.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted earlier this season that benching Modric was a difficult decision and thanked the Croat for his understanding. He said (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"It's very difficult to leave such a legend on the bench. I can only say thank you Luka for everything he has done during my time here. I'm really affected by this. It's so difficult."
The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker is still viewed as Croatia's protagonist. There was talk of him retiring from international football after last summer's UEFA Nations League but he continued.
Modric has earned 174 caps, registering 24 goals and 29 assists. He captained his nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final where they lost 4-2 to France. He won the Ballon d'Or the following year, partly for his displays in Russia.
Croatia start their Euro 2024 campaign in Group B alongside Spain, Italy and Albania. Their first game is against La Roja at the Olympiastadion Berlin on June 3.
Luka Modric is reportedly on the verge of extending his Real Madrid contract
Luka Modric may have lacked game time this season but he's set to extend his stay at Real Madrid. The Croatian hero's current contract expires this summer but he's about to put pen to paper on an extension.
Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Modric's signature is all that's needed to secure his future. He's accepted being handed a secondary role and will take a substantial reduction in his salary.
Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in August 2012 for €35 million. He's become a club legend, making 532 appearances, and winning 24 major trophies including five UEFA Champions League trophies.
Los Blancos' 13th all-time appearance maker can make that six on June 1. Ancelotti's side head to Wembley to face Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in this season's Champions League final.