Real Madrid News
Real Madrid yet to contact veteran superstar over a new contract
Real Madrid have some pressing contract issues to take care of in the coming months as they have several of their stars on deals expiring at the end of the season.
One such Real Madrid player who could become a free agent in the summer is veteran midfielder and club legend Luka Modric.
The 37-year-old Croatian international has been an absolute top player for Los Blancos over the years and has been integral to the success that they have achieved over the good part of the last decade or so.
Despite his advancing age, Modric continues to be a key component of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu. But his future at the club continues to be uncertain.
And, according to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Real Madrid are yet to contact Modric over a new contract offer. The Merengues believe that this is not the ideal time to hold negotiations over a contract especially when the team is battling for titles on multiple fronts.
The report sheds light on the veteran midfielder’s professionalism, claiming that he is often one of the first to arrive at the Valdebebas training facilities and always gives his 100% in sessions.
He is also among the last ones to leave the training ground as he stays behind to work in the gym or have sessions with physios to aid his recovery and injury prevention. It is said to be one of the main reasons behind his longevity.
Real Madrid value him a great deal and Ancelotti has previously stated that he would like club legends like him to retire at the club. However, talks over a new deal are yet to take place and a decision over his future is still to be taken.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid not contemplating rehiring Jose Mourinho with Ancelotti’s future uncertain
Carlo Ancelotti’s uncertain future has caused a severe rise in reports over potential replacements for the manager post at Real Madrid. There is no shortage of options for the administration at the Santiago Bernabeu as they continue to scout the right man to take the team forward.
Jose Mourinho was one of the candidates speculated to be considered internally at the club. However, MARCA has come out to deny such a possibility. As it stands, Real Madrid do not consider the return of the former manager as an option.
Over the past few years, it has become common to see the Merengues look towards managers for a second stint. The formula worked wonders when they brought back Zinedine Zidane in 2019 for a new term and he pioneered a ten-match winning streak to give his side the edge over Barcelona to clinch La Liga.
Their next step led them to Ancelotti, who had already managed the team before, and the result was similar. In the first season of his second stint, he led Los Blancos to the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
It is thus not surprising that Mourinho’s name has re-emerged as a candidate to arrive next summer. The Portuguese led the side from 2010-2013 and took down Barcelona’s golden generation to win one La Liga, one Copa Del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup. The Champions League was the one big void in his achievements in Spain.
The 60-year-old tactician currently serves as the manager of AS Roma in Serie A and has seen moderate success at the club. The Italians sit fifth on the table with 14 wins in 27 games. They have scored 35 goals and conceded 26 in their league run so far.
A second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, is not on the cards for the Portuguese.
