Carlo Ancelotti has explained why Croatia superstar Luka Modric has not been playing as often this season as he has in the past, amid rumours the midfielder is unhappy at Real Madrid.
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The experienced midfielder was tipped to leave Los Blancos at the start of the season until he agreed to extend his stay in the country's capital for a further 12 months.
Teams in Saudi Arabia were linked with the five-time UEFA Champions League winner, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018 after helping inspire Croatia to the FIFA World Cup final in Russia.
Despite his decision to remain at the club he joined in 2012, Modric has so far played a bit-part role for the LALIGA giants this season following Jude Bellingham's arrival from Borussia Dortmund earlier this year.
Ancelotti, however, has insisted he simply has to make difficult decisions.
"It is quite surprising that Modric does not have the same role as in the past," he said, according to Football Espana.
"He has played the first Champions League game, the derby… and he has not played the last two because there is a very strong competition.
"We have no problem with him and he doesn't have any problems with us. Sometimes I have to make decisions that are very difficult to take."
The Italian tactician was then asked for an update on Modric's situation, with reports linking the 38-year-old with a move to Inter Miami in the United States.
"Nothing new. I don't know how to explain it… it's just a technical decision that has happened in the last two games. It can change… but one day it can be [Eduardo] Camavinga, another day [Aurelien] Tchouameni," Ancelotti added.
"There is not much to explain because every game there is someone who stays in the game. There are seven of us in midfield and only four can play.
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"Also, when I put up five midfielders on, you criticised me, so it's better to stay with four (laughs)."
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