Real Madrid maestro, Luka Modric, has criticised former boss, Rafael Benitez, by saying that the team flew around the world more than they could train in pre-season, report AS. The Los Blancos started their pre-season with a trip to Australia, followed China. They then head back to Madrid for a few days before heading to Germany to partake in the Audi Cup.
Real Madrid sacked Rafael Benitez six months into the job after a poor start to the season where they trail Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in the La Liga table. Modric says the sacking was mainly down to pre-season and the team's lack of preparation.
“We failed to secure the results that were expected of us. Each person will have their own particular viewpoint on the results but I feel that physically we weren’t in good shape. Our pre-season tour of China and Austrailia was too quick. We spent more time in the air than we did training. This is a problem as it later impacts when the season starts."
However, Modric admits there was a level of mutual respect between himself and coach Benitez. “There was a level of mutual respect and we had a professional relationship from day one. I gave my all for the team and I am sorry about his circumstance. However, that’s the way things are and I wish him all the best”.
Modric: El Clasico was 'humiliating'
The former Tottenham man also spoke about how the loss to Barcelona was too embarrassing and was one of the worst he's ever been involved in. “I was so embarrassed. It was the first ‘Clásico’ that I really felt humiliated. It’s difficult to come to terms with things after such a defeat but we have to move on”.
Two goals from Luis Suarez, one from Neymar and one from Andres Iniesta silenced the Bernabeu as Madrid were are toothless in attack as they were in defence. Barcelona are currently two points above Real Madrid and two points below Atletico Madrid albeit with a game in hand. With Zinedine Zidane having taken over the reigns, the players finally have the impetus of having to perform consistently under the stewardship of a legend the Bernabeu adores.
