Real Madrid news: Predrag Mijatovic claims that he recommended Luka Modric to Jose Mourinho
Former Real Madrid striker, Predrag Mijatovic, claims that the signing of Luka Modric by Real Madrid was a result of the recommendation he made to then Blancos manager, Jose Mourinho. The self-proclaimed Special One might not have had a very successful tenure with the Galacticos, but one of his best moves was to bring in the Croat.
And according to Mijatovic, who was a Ballon d’Or second runner-up back in 1997, it was he who placed the word of advice to the Portuguese’s ears.
He was quoted by AS: "That was a recommendation of mine to Mourinho - as a friend when he was in charge at Real Madrid. They ended up signing him.
“I've known Luka for many years, I've followed him since he was at Dinamo Zagreb. I've always loved him as a player, although when he first arrived there were a few doubts about whether he would fit in as he's not a typical, tall and strong midfielder."
The Merengues are 6 points ahead of Barcelona and after the drew this season first El Clasico 1-1 at Camp Nou.
"I'm not entirely sure about that, these games are very difficult but it's a good chance for Madrid to increase their advantage; it's an opportunity to stretch the lead to nine points - it's feasible, but even so, we won't be able to say the league is done and dusted but it would be hard for Barça to get back into contention if they are nine points off the lead".
Zinedine Zidane’s men go into the fixture without their Welsh forward, Gareth Bale. And according to Mijatovic, his absence is a huge blow for the Whites.
Bale: "He's an important loss for Madrid, there's no doubt about it. He had a great start to the season and I think that while he hasn't quite reached Cristiano's level, but he is still a very important loss for the team. I hope Zidane finds a solution.”
Despite the fact that Real Madrid are yet to be beaten this season, Mijatovic, who worked as the Director of Football for the club between 2006 and 2009, thinks that Clasicos never really have a pre-match favourite given that Barca are “extra dangerous” after losing points.
"There are no favourites, regardless of the form you are in, that doesn't count for much. As for Real Madrid's erratic form of late... we'll see how they get on the day.
“Madrid have been up and down - they're capable of putting in a perfect performance, then they play three days later in the Champions League and suffer. But even when they have been erratic, they have not lost their games.
“However, with Barcelona, you get the impression that they have no more to give. They are a massive team, a rival which has been wounded by their recent results and that makes them extra dangerous; Madrid need to be careful."
Mijatovic then went on to heap praises on Brazilian forward, Neymar and opined that he would have been a great signing for the Whites had Florentino Perez been successful in his pursuit.
"Neymar. I love that player. He's so different, he's from another dimension. He would have been a good signing for Madrid if they had been able to sign him back then".
Finally, he stated that Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, remains the difference maker for Madrid: "Cristiano is an authentic phenomenon who can resolve a game in a minute".
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