Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reserve two roles for club icon Luka Modric after retirement – report
Real Madrid already has two potential paths in mind for Luka Modric once the club legend eventually ends his playing career, according to Defensa Central.
Modric continues to perform at AC Milan, but the question of what comes next has already started to emerge.
The Croatian midfielder recently said in an interview with AS that he would like to return to Madrid one day, although only if he can make a meaningful contribution rather than simply come back because of his status as a club icon.
Now, Journalist Tomas Roncero, as relayed in Defensa Central, believes that a return is inevitable.
More importantly, he thinks Modric has the football knowledge to take on a serious role at the club rather than becoming a ceremonial figure.
“I noticed that he will definitely return to Madrid and I am convinced that he doesn’t want to return to Madrid as an ambassador, but rather he wants to feel important,” Roncero explained.
Modric’s football knowledge could open the door
Notably, the journalist identified two positions that could suit Modric particularly well: working on a coaching staff or moving into sporting management.
Modric’s reputation at Madrid was built primarily through his performances on the pitch, but his interests extend well beyond his own career.
He continues to follow leagues and players around the world and has maintained a close interest in the wider game.
That could make him useful in a footballing role at Valdebebas once his playing days are over.
“I see him joining the technical staff of some coach or the sporting management because he is a student of football, of the leagues.
“He watches all the matches and knows about players,” Roncero added.
A different kind of return to Madrid
Modric’s relationship with Real Madrid is far more than just being a former player.
He spent more than a decade at the club and became one of the defining midfielders of its modern era.
A future return would therefore carry obvious emotional significance, but Modric appears to want his next chapter to be based on his football expertise.
That is why sporting management and coaching have emerged as the two possible avenues.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
