Real Madrid News
Modric talks Bellingham, Vinicius, UCL, contract renewal ahead of Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid will face one of their biggest tests of the season tomorrow when they lock horns with Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield.
The Merengues face their opponents from the last season’s finals at the Round of 16 this time out, with the first leg taking place at Anfield.
Real Madrid head into Tuesday’s contest on the back of a late win over Osasuna in La Liga and will be hoping to return with a victory from England.
On the eve of the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti and veteran midfielder Luka Modric attended the press conference. Following are the snippets of the latter’s interaction with the media ahead of the blockbuster encounter.
On facing Liverpool: “Tomorrow’s game is very important. It will be difficult, against a tough rival. We have to play a great game to win. We have to show our best level.”
On his fitness levels after the World Cup: “I feel better after the World Cup. I made a mistake because I started to play immediately while I needed to recover. Now I feel better.”
On his contract renewal: “I’m calm. I can’t say anything because I have not talked to the club yet, like last season. Of course I want to stay but because I I deserve it, not because I’m Luka Modric.”
“Whatever happens regarding my future, my relationship with Real Madrid will never change. This is the club of my life. I want the club to renew my contract because I deserve it and not because of my history.”
“I don’t want the club to gift me anything. I want and need to show I deserve to continue. That’s what I will do.”
On questions about whether he and Kroos can play together: “I’m not annoyed by the people who say me and Kroos can’t play together. We did it before the World Cup and we won games. We also lost games in the past.”
On the young talent at Real Madrid: “Our youngsters are doing very well. They will have a great future with Real Madrid. They’re all very good.”
On whether Jude Bellingham’s arrival will affect his renewal: “I think this has nothing to do with my renewal.”
On Vinicius Jr being targeted by fans: “I’m against any type of insults. The only thing Vini can do is to focus on his football and helps us. We support him and always stand by him.”
On whether the club asked him to retire from international football: “Croatia NT? Real Madrid never asked me to leave it. The club doesn’t do this. My plan with Croatia is to play the Nations League. Then I have not decided anything. I have to think about it very well.”
On if he has a bet with Ancelotti over the number of goals he scores: “There’s no bet with Ancelotti regarding my goals (laughs). I could score more. If only I had scored that penalty…”
On the UEFA Champions League: “We hope to win the Champions League again. Winning my 6th title would be amazing.”
On facing criticism: It doesn’t bother me that people talk bad about me. The demand is maximum in this club, I know it.”
On his future: “I’m going to do everything I can to give my best and deserve to continue at Real Madrid. I can’t do more. At this time last season I hadn’t talked to the club about my renewal yet. Same this season. There’s still time. We will talk.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
