Modric 'anger' at Real Madrid as Inter Miami plan transfer

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 5 Oct 2023 13:25 BST
• 3 min read

Luka Modric’s ‘anger is real’ with Carlo Ancelotti according to reports in Spain which claim the Real Madrid manager misled his veteran midfielder and broke a promise to him.

Modric has seen a diminished role this season after the arrival of Jude Bellingham, with the Croatian playing just 205 minutes of Real’s campaign so far.

Ancelotti acknowledged after the win over Napoli that Modric was ‘a little angry’ over his lack of game time but ‘El Larguero’ from Cadena SER, as per SPORT, has offered more information into the dispute between the pair.

STRANGE: Modric hits out at reduced Real Madrid role

It is claimed that Ancelotti spoke with Modric in the summer and reassured him that his role wouldn’t change for the new season, which led to the 38-year-old rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.

However, after only starting one of Real’s first four games, Modric aired his concerns to Ancelotti but was told to remain patient by the Italian, who reminded him that ‘seasons are very long’.

While Modric is thought to be aware that his situation could improve, the ex-Tottenham star has seen renewed interest from MLS side Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi said to be keen to link up with his former La Liga opponent.

Real’s midfield headache

Real are slowly phasing out their legendary midfield trio of Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, with the latter being sold to Manchester United last summer.

Modric has seen a reduced role from his minutes since last season, when he played 51% of Real’s 3420 minutes in La Liga.

REVEALED: Why Luka Modric could move to Inter Miami

This season Modric has played 33% of the team’s total minutes in the league and his gametime appears unlikely to change any time soon, with Real sitting top of La Liga.

Bellingham is also flourishing as an advanced midfielder since his €103 million summer move from Dortmund, scoring eight goals in his first nine games across all competitions.

Kroos is still a regular feature for Real, which has led to Eduardo Camavinga being moved to left-back despite initially being signed in 2021 as a potential replacement for the German.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are Ancelotti’s usual pairing behind Bellingham, with Kroos, Modric and Camavinga rotated alongside the duo as Real look to transition into a new era.

Trending

Which football managers have been sacked this season?

Premier League managers: Full list of current bosses

What are the most expensive transfers of all time? The 50 highest fees in history