Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran has no problem staying despite unsatisfactory conditions
Real Madrid are poised to officiate the renewals of veteran midfielder Luka Modric, along with two other veterans in Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema, within the coming days.
The new deal will see Modric remaining at Santiago Bernabeu for another year. There were initial doubts on whether or not the midfielder would renew given the fact that he had offers from other clubs, including the Saudi Arabian giants.
But more importantly, Real Madrid had reportedly set out multiple conditions, including the fact that his overall game-time will be reduced heading into the new season.
According to MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), though, Modric has had no problems accepting the contract renewal from Real Madrid despite the conditions being put forth by the board.
The veteran midfielder understands why his game-time must reduce in the new season, knowing the club are expected to bring in Jude Bellingham, who could become the club’s face in the midfield unit in the years to come.
The lack of minutes next season does not bother Modric. He just wants to stay at Real Madrid for at least another season before venturing out elsewhere.
At the age of just 37, Modric has remained an asset for the Real Madrid team due to his experience, leadership and technical ability. He has featured in almost 50 competitive matches this term, racking up six goals and six assists.
There is no doubt he will play a critical role in guiding the young Bellingham next season. And with experience often a key factor in crunch Champions League matches, Modric and Kroos’ prolonged stay at the Bernabeu could be useful as Los Blancos look to clinch the trophy again next season.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
