Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to deny any problems with veteran Luka Modric, who continues to be one of the least-used midfielders this season.
The 38-year-old has always retained his starting place despite his advanced age in recent seasons, playing more often than not. But with the development of Aurélien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, the Croatian is more and more often left on the bench.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League group game against Napoli, Ancelotti dismissed speculation he was playing a lesser role.
“It is quite surprising that Modric does not have the same role as in the past. He played the first Champions League match, the derby… and he didn’t play the last two because the competition is very strong. We have no problem with him and he has no problem with us. Sometimes I have to make decisions that are very difficult to make.”
Despite Ancelotti’s claims, Modric has only started three of Real Madrid’s nine matches this season. He was asked if there was any news on his situation.
“ Nothing new. I don’t know how to explain it…it’s just a technical decision that happened in the last two matches. This can change… one day it will be Camavinga, another day Tchouameni. There’s not much to explain because every game there’s someone who stays in the game. There are 7 of us in the midfield and only 4 can play. Besides, when I put five midfielders, you criticized me, so it’s better to stay with four (laughs).
