Luka Modric has acknowledged that it feels “strange feeling” not to be a consistent starter for Real Madrid in the current season. However, the 37-year-old midfielder, who recently extended his contract with Madrid for another year, is determined to earn his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield through hard work.
Modric has only been in the starting lineup for one of Real Madrid’s four LaLiga matches this season, specifically in last weekend’s 2-1 victory against Getafe.
In the other three matches, he has entered the game as a substitute.
“Nobody is happy when they don’t play. After the career I’ve had, it’s an especially strange feeling for me,” Modric told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. “But the coach decided that, for his own reasons.
“My only condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player, and not to be kept in the squad on the basis of past merits… I am completely calm. I’m aware that I have to work hard and sooner or later everything will fall into place.”
Modric now faces competition for his place from youngsters Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.
“These young guys are top players, that’s why they’re at Real,” Modric said. “We veterans must help them progress and gradually take over the starting roles at the level that this club is looking for.”