Ancelotti gives him the red carpet after Girona: “He’s a gift to football”

At the press conference following the 2-0 win over Girona, Carlo Ancelotto was clear about Luka Modric’s future. His message was aimed at encouraging the renewal of the veteran Croatian, whom he even compared to Paolo Maldini.

Carlo Ancelotti is not hiding anything. After Luka Modric’s fine performance against Girona on Sunday evening, in which he scored one of the finest goals of the season, the Real Madrid coach is urging him to continue at the club next season.

‘Modric is a gift for football. He should continue for as long as he wants. He does what he does very well. We’ve been lucky enough to have a legend with us. He’s a gift to football for his seriousness, his quality and his professionalism. I had another 40-year-old player, who was Paolo Maldini. The two can be compared in terms of what a footballer should be. They are fantastic examples. It’s no coincidence that they reached 40. Genetics count, but so do commitment and attitude,’ he declared. Carlo Ancelotti can already see the Croatian playing at Madrid until he is 40, a symbol of successful renewal.

‘It wasn’t easy to repeat the commitment of Wednesday’s match, but with this schedule, I liked the attitude. Even if it wasn’t at the level of the City game. I wasn’t angry, I was happy with Mbappé’s decisive pass to Vini. He was very dangerous, he made a spectacular control in another action… He cares about winning games,’ confirms Ancelotti.

Ancelotti also praises Vinicius and Alaba

The Italian coach was also quick to praise the exploits of Vinicius. He stressed that the young Brazilian was able to impose himself during the match. ‘I saw Vinicius at his best. They could have had a little more success, but in the second half they were unstoppable,’ said Ancelotti. The connection between Vinicius and Kylian Mbappé is gradually taking shape. The Frenchman provided some fine passes and opened up the attack.

Carlo Ancelotti is also paying particular attention to Alaba’s development. ‘He played a very good 60 minutes. Comfortable and well positioned. He can start in the Champions League match,’ he added. Alaba’s return strengthens Madrid’s defensive balance. Each player finds his place in a team that is constantly reinventing itself. The resting of players like Rüdiger and Valverde also gives young talents the opportunity to express themselves fully.