After starting three straight games from the bench, Luka Modric said that losing his customary starting position at Real Madrid was a “strange feeling.” 

The veteran midfielder, who will turn 38 on Saturday, has promised to “work hard” to reclaim his spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s team as a plethora of young players create strong rivalry for opportunities in Madrid.

In the 2-1 victory over Getafe last weekend, Modric earned his first LaLiga start of the new season. Despite having long held the top spot in world football, Modric acknowledged that he had to get used to playing only a small role.  

‘Nobody is delighted when they don’t play,’ Modric reportedly told Croatian publication Sportske Novosti via ESPN. It’s a particularly unusual feeling for me given my work.

However, the coach (Ancelotti) made that decision for personal reasons.

Luka Modric admits it is a ‘strange feeling’ to have a reduced role at Real Madrid this season

The seasoned midfielder has promised to assist in assisting Real’s young players, such as Vinicius Jr.

“My only requirement for staying was to be treated as a competitive player rather than being retained in the squad based on previous accomplishments,” he said. I’m totally at ease. I am aware that I must put in a lot of effort before everything will come together.

Young players with talent abound at Real Madrid, including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Vinicius Jr. Since making a high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, the latter has seamlessly integrated into the Spanish team.   

‘These young kids are fantastic players, that’s why they’re at Real,’ the Croatian stated in reference to the challenge Modric faces.

We veterans need to assist them in developing and eventually taking over the entry-level responsibilities at the caliber that this club requires.

This week, Modric is back with his country’s team as Croatia hosts Latvia in a Euro 2024 qualifying match on Friday before traveling to Armenia on Monday for a second match. 

Real Madrid, which has won four of its first four LaLiga games, is back in action on September 17 at home against Real Sociedad, three days before hosting Union Berlin in the Champions League.  

Modric is on international duty in his birthday week, as Croatia face Latvia and Armenia