Luka Modric Unhappy With Reduced Role at Real Madrid, Welcomes Competition

• Starting from the bench for three games in a row is new to Luka Modric
• The Real Madrid veteran respects Carlo Ancelotti's decision to put him on the bench
• Young players like Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga have replaced Modric in the starting line-up

Veteran Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric is not happy with his current role at the club. The Ballon d'Or winner signed a new deal this summer but has been pushed to the bench so far this season.

The Croatia international joined Madrid in 2012 and has won 23 trophies in 11 years at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, cementing his status as one of the best players in Madrid history.

This season, he has played only 133 minutes, and most of that came against Getafe, their last match before the international break, per Transfermarkt. He turns 38 this week, and Madrid have made signings that suggest his time at Madrid could be coming to an end soon.

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Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro were the heart of Madrid's midfield when they won five Champions League titles in eight years, but Casemiro has since left the club. Kroos, just like Modric, signed a one-year deal to remain at the club.

Their replacements, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, are slowly making their mark in the team.

Modric speaks on Madrid role

Speaking to Sportske Novosti via Madrid Universal, Modric said that he understands that he has to fight for his place, but sitting on the bench for three games in a row is new to him.

"Nobody is happy when they are out of the game. After all in my career, where I’m not sure I’ve ever been on the bench for three games in a row, I found that feeling especially strange. But hey, the coach had decided so for his reasons. I certainly won’t sink or slump because of it."

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The veteran understands that there is competition for positions, and he and Kroos must play their role as senior players.

"I am aware that we have a lot of competition in midfield, that these youngsters are top players, that’s why they are at Real... We don’t give up, although we are aware that the end of the story is near. That’s only natural."

Modric is looking to help Croatia qualify for the 2024 European championships. They sit third in Group D behind Turkey and Armenia after winning one and drawing one of their two games.

Modric's message to Ramos

Sports Brief earlier reported on Modric sending a lovely message to Sergio Ramos, who is returning to Sevilla after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

The pair shared a trophy-laden nine years at the Spanish capital, in which they built an important friendship. Modric said:

"Hello, brother, I just want to congratulate you on returning home because I know how much you wanted to return to Sevilla. I’m very happy for you, you deserve it."