Luka Modric Frustration At Real Madrid, Ancelotti Can't Do Anything

Real Madrid veteran midfielder Luka Modric celebrated a goal with his teammates in the match against Sevilla. (X/@realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Luka veteran midfielder Modric is frustrated. He has sat on the bench more often this season.

However, Modric was the winner in Madrid's 1-0 win over Sevilla in the 2023/2024 La Liga match, Monday, February 26, 2024, early morning WIB.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti admits he can't do anything to keep Modric whose contract expires after the competition is over.

Modric is frustrated after no longer having the opportunity to play in the final season of his contract. This season, the 38-year-old has only played 21 times, 11 of which have started.

Against Sevilla, who was strengthened by former Madrid captain and his colleague, Sergio Ramos, he was deployed in the second half. Modric came in to replace Nacho in the 75th minute.

Only five minutes later, the captain of the Croatian national team has broken the deadlock. When Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Brahim Diaz could not penetrate his senior who is now fortifying Sevilla, Modric was able to break into the opponent's goal.

The goal brought victory to Los Merengues as well as confirmed their position at the top of the standings with 65 points. They were six points ahead of Girona who beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0.

"He scored an incredible goal and earned us three points. He showed me how hard it was for me to back him up," said Ancelotti.

"It's not just the goal he scored, but how he's going through training. He's an example for all the players in this squad. It's not easy to back him up," said Ancelotti again.

Although he did not want to let Modric be on the bench, Ancelotti could do nothing. Including Modric's contract which is about to expire.

"(The contract) is indeed complicated. It is difficult to rearrange. I was once a player and was in a situation like that in my last year as a player. However, I was able to overcome it," he said.

"I can understand that Modric is very disappointed that he is not played. Everyone thinks he is at the end of his career. However, I disagree. He remains in good shape, fit. He is not like a 38-year-old player," said Ancelotti.

In the match against Sevilla, Modric meets Ramos, his best friend in Madrid. Ramos has faced the same situation as Modric.

The captain finally left the Santiago Bernabeu to join Paris Saint-Germain. Furthermore, Ramos returned to the club that raised him, Sevilla.

"Sergio Ramos is my brother. He's a real legend. People judge us only from age."

"However, just look at his extraordinary performances. I am happy to see him back playing," Modric said about Ramos.