Real Madrid’s legendary midfield duo, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, are not concerned with less playing time this season as they knew that would be the case, reported Spanish newspaper Diario AS on Thursday.
Kroos and Modric have been the undisputed starters for Los Blancos since they played their first game against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup 2014 final, where the German made his debut.
They have been an integral part of Madrid’s most successful time in this century where the club won five UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles in eight years, including a hat-trick of the title.
But as Modric turns 38 this year in September and Kroos who will turn 34 next year, their time at the Spanish club is coming to an end.
As Madrid have recruited a new midfield consisting of Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, both veterans have now gone below them in the pecking order.
Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti had already informed the five-time UCL winners that they would play less this season, the report says.
Both players are patient and eagerly wait for their chances as they want to contribute.
Kroos has played more minutes than the Croatian in the two league games Madrid have played this season, as he started in their last 3-1 victory over Almeria but Modric is yet to have his first start of the season.
The 37-year-old is expected to start against Celta Vigo on Friday (August 25) where he will accompany Tchouameni, Bellingham and most likely Camavinga.
Talking in a pre-match conference, Ancelotti gave insight into what Madrid fans can expect in tomorrow’s clash against Celta Vigo.
“Kepa will start tomorrow,” the Italian confirmed. “Bellingham as the attacking midfielder? He has adapted very well. He's very smart. His movements without the ball are elite."
He also addressed Modric to Saudia rumours and stated that the Croatian footballer is here to stay.
“Luka has already decided to stay here. He's not happy he's not playing but he will have minutes. He will help us during the season."
He also opened up on why Tchouameni was benched last season after the World Cup 2022, which troubled many fans as they wanted to see the French midfielder in action.
"Tchouameni got injured after the World Cup and it was difficult for him to recover last season. Now he has returned to his pre-World Cup level."