Modric: "I can't see us having another trophyless season"

Posted Sunday, October 06, 2013 by Marca.com

Modric:

Luka Modric is emerging as one of the leaders in the Real Madrid dressing room. Although he has only been at the club for a year, his style and experience are very in keeping with Real's club tradition. Luka gave this interview to Croatian newspaper 'Sportske Novosti', published in his country today.

"We started well but lost something during the international break. We need to be more compact, we have to attack and defend with less of a gap between the lines. I can't see us having another trophyless season. Ancelotti transmits an air of calm to the team. I had heard that he was a very temperamental player, but he's a great guy."

"The gaffer wants me to organise the team, define our game and break quickly with the ball, whilst maintaining our defensive balance. I like playing as a creative central midfielder, but my preference isn't what's important, it's all about the team. We're waiting for Xabi to return, we'll improve with him. I want more responsibility, to take a step forward in terms of leading our play on the pitch. I'm not going to hide; I'm a more mature player. I grew up a lot last year."

"Gareth needs time, training sessions, matches, strength.... He's a very specific type of player. Once he's physically fit, he'll confirm what we already know, that he's world-class. He has to be patient with us, and us with him. We talk a lot and I try to help him with everything I can. I like him, he's humble." "There is tension, as there is in any group of people, but we show that it goes no further than the match. I can assure you that we have a great group of players."