Carlo Ancelotti is someone that knows Luka Modric better than most, and he has shed some light on his elite mindset.
Modric and Ancelotti had six seasons together at Real Madrid across two different spells, so they got to know each other well. The first was 2013 to 2015, when they won the historic La Décima (10th Champions League title) in 2014 together.
The second was from 2021 to 2025, with Ancelotti having returned to the Spanish capital. The Croatian was still a crucial player and the pair won the 2022 and 2024 Champions League titles before both departed at the end of last season.
Ancelotti on ‘special’ Modric and calcio
Ancelotti was interviewed by Corriere del Ticino and as part of a discussion about a number of topics he was asked about Modric’s incredible career, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“Modric is a special case, because with me in the last year, when he was 39, he didn’t miss a single training session. He’s there physically as well as mentally, so the problem is more general and concerns the rhythm of all the teams,” he said.
Ancelotti also responded to a question on the struggles within Italian football and the disappointing results of the Serie A teams in Europe.
“I agree with Capello, who highlighted the difference in pace between the Italian league and the others. When the level of play in the Champions League rises, unfortunately the difference becomes noticeable.
“It’s no coincidence that Italian champions Napoli, last year’s finalists Inter, and Juventus didn’t make it past the first stage, while Atalanta, who did, conceded ten goals to Bayern between the first and second legs.”
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