Ancelotti Compares Modric to Maldini, Hails His Professionalism

Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Luka Modric's professionalism and compared him to Paolo Maldini after Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Girona.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was effusive in his praise for Luka Modric after the Croatian midfielder scored a spectacular goal in their 2-0 LaLiga win over Girona on Sunday. Modric's wonder goal, which came in the 41st minute, brought the Bernabeu stadium crowd to their feet and capped off an impressive performance by the 39-year-old.

Modric's goal was a testament to his enduring skill and vision on the pitch. Controlling a looping clearance from a corner with his chest, he unleashed a sublime long-range volley that arrowed into the top corner. The goal was a reminder of Modric's status as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, and his impressive trophy haul since joining Real Madrid in 2012 - 28 trophies, including the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

👔 @MrAncelotti: “Modrić is a gift for football.”
📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 23, 2025

In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti sang Modric's praises, describing him as a “gift to football.” The Italian manager expressed his desire to see Modric stay with the club for as long as he wants, citing his incredible longevity and continued excellence on the pitch. “Modric is a gift to football. He should stay as long as he wants to. What he does he does very well. We have been lucky to have a legend with us,” Ancelotti told reporters. The manager also drew comparisons between Modric's longevity and that of AC Milan and Italy great Paolo Maldini.

Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on Luka Modric, describing him as a "gift" to football. The Real Madrid manager highlighted Modric's seriousness, quality, and professionalism as key factors in his enduring success. “Football has been given a gift by his seriousness, quality and professionalism...” Ancelotti said, drawing comparisons between Modric and another football legend, Paolo Maldini. “I had another 40-year-old player, who was Maldini. The two can be compared in what a footballer has to be. They are fantastic examples. It's not by chance that they have reached 40. Genetics matter, but also commitment, attitude.”

Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Girona marked a significant turning point in their season, snapping a three-game winless run and moving them level with Barcelona on 54 points. Although Ancelotti's side trail Barcelona on the head-to-head count, the win ensures they remain in contention for the LaLiga title. Atletico Madrid sits third with 53 points. Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, acknowledging that it may not have reached the same level as their impressive 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League.

🤳 @LukaModric10: "Hello Madridistas, another victory at home. We're very happy about the victory and the support today. Hala Madrid!" pic.twitter.com/iUu6fCjF68

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 23, 2025

“It often happens that when you control a game well and you don't score more than 1-0, you can get a draw,” Ancelotti said, reflecting on the game. “They had the chance to equalise on a counter-attack, after a corner. The second goal killed the game. It could have been done earlier, but the team played well.” While acknowledging that the performance may not have been on par with their display against Manchester City, Ancelotti praised his team's attitude and commitment. “It wasn't easy to repeat the commitment of Wednesday's game, but with this schedule, I liked the attitude. Even if it wasn't at the level of the match against City.”

Real Madrid's next challenge comes in the form of a Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, followed by a league clash against Real Betis on March 1st.