CM: Angry Modric eyeing resurgence with Milan after misery with Croatia
Luka Modric was left crestfallen after Croatia suffered a very heavy defeat at the hands of England, and now hopes for some joy with AC Milan.
La Gazzetta dello Sport recall that Modric spoke of feeling embarrassed and ashamed after England won 7-0 against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday. He was far from the main. culprit, but as captain of the national team he is the figurehead, and had to front the defeat.
Football can sometimes be cruel, and it doesn’t care about the nobility of its players. In a situation like this, excuses usually follow but Modric managed to move beyond that, catalysing the mood of an entire nation around his own.
“It’s difficult to find an explanation for a performance like that, devoid of fouls, aggression, and team spirit. I’ve been here for twenty years, and for the first time I feel ashamed after a match,” he said.
“You can lose, there are those who are stronger at that moment, but to lose like this and ruin the reputation we’ve earned over the years is unacceptable. I’m so ashamed.
“You can’t play football like this, we looked like we were down four or five players. I’ve never had a similar feeling after a match like this in the national team.”
A rough few months
The last few months have been quite tough for Modric. It began in May, when Milan began to lose the thread that had kept them tied to the Champions League spot all season, right up until their final blow against Cagliari .
Modric obviously envisioned a different summer: the Rossoneri’s return to Europe’s most beautiful league, the decision – with peace of mind – to continue his journey with Milan for another season, before dedicating himself to the World Cup with his national team.
Milan’s sporting failure, which immediately led to the dismissal of the management, threw all those plans into disarray. Luka left for the United States with a seemingly endless list of questions: what does Cardinale intend to do now? Who will the coach be? Where should I play?
The ‘yes’ to a new deal with the Diavolo came after a World Cup that ended in the round of 32, another disappointment. It’s not that Croatia were a contender two win it, but they lost right at the end against Portugal.
When the new season began at Milanello, further concerns arose. Modric went from being an undisputed starter to a player to be evaluated on a game-by-game basis, based on his physical condition and how the opponent plays.
Ruben Amorim said: “If it’s a game based on running, it becomes impossible for Modric.” It’s also a question of the playing system: in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2, Luka had two players flanking him; in the 3-4-2-1, there’s more space to cover.
This doesn’t mean Modric will be on the bench for the rest of the season, especially since there is European football this season, but he’ll certainly be more selective. “He understands perfectly,” Amorim also said when asked about the Croatian’s mood.
Modric is certainly an absolute professional, who would never allow any potential disagreement to leak out. Indeed, after the massacre with the national team, he now has the opportunity to put things behind them and relaunch with Milan.
