Modrić: 'We're gearing up for a tough match and we'll have to be at our best'
'We've played here already, we did well and we hope we can put in a repeat performance', added the Croatian midfield maestro.
Luka Modrić spoke to the press at Anfield before Real Madrid's training session in the build-up to the Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash 9:00pm CET. The madridista assessed the meeting with Liverpool: 'We're gearing up for a very important, difficult match against top opposition. We're playing at a historic ground with incredible fans who really put the pressure on. We'll have to deliver a good display to get the win, or take a good result back home for the second leg. We have to be at our best, do the right things and run for each other. We've played here already, we did well and we're hoping for a repeat performance'.
'Sometimes we watch games to see how the other team plays but we already know Liverpool well because we've played against them often so you know what to expect and who you're up against in your position. I always prepare just the same as ever for these kinds of games and I try and stay calm'.
His form
'I'm getting better. I made a mistake following the World Cup because I just went back to playing right away, rather than following a specific training program. When the coach asks you if you want to play, you feel like you can do it, but now I'm getting back to my best levels and I feel really good'.
Contract renewal
'I can't say anything because I still haven't spoken to the club, just like last year at the same time. I'm really relaxed about it. I always say the same thing, I want to carry on here. I feel great and I want to stay at Real Madrid. I have to see what the club's thoughts are and that's all there is to it. I want to keep going but I want to deserve it. I don't want anyone to give me anything, nobody has ever gifted me anything in my life'.
'I want to continue because I'm good enough to do so, not because of my history here. Whatever happens, nothing will change my relationship with Real Madrid. It will be my most beloved club whatever the future holds. There are lots of challenges ahead and I'm focused on the season, performing well and getting back to my best'.
Playing alongside Kroos
'I've been here for almost 11 years now and I know the expectation levels are high. There is always a lot of talk outside and that's normal because it's the best club in the world. Kroos and I were playing before the World Cup and we were doing well. Since the World Cup, just a month later, it's as if we weren't able to do it. We have won an awful lot playing together'.
'Sometimes we watch games to see how the other team plays but we already know Liverpool well because we've played against them often so you know what to expect and who you're up against in your position. I always prepare just the same as ever for these kinds of games and I try and stay calm'.
His form
'I'm getting better. I made a mistake following the World Cup because I just went back to playing right away, rather than following a specific training program. When the coach asks you if you want to play, you feel like you can do it, but now I'm getting back to my best levels and I feel really good'.
Contract renewal
'I can't say anything because I still haven't spoken to the club, just like last year at the same time. I'm really relaxed about it. I always say the same thing, I want to carry on here. I feel great and I want to stay at Real Madrid. I have to see what the club's thoughts are and that's all there is to it. I want to keep going but I want to deserve it. I don't want anyone to give me anything, nobody has ever gifted me anything in my life'.
'I want to continue because I'm good enough to do so, not because of my history here. Whatever happens, nothing will change my relationship with Real Madrid. It will be my most beloved club whatever the future holds. There are lots of challenges ahead and I'm focused on the season, performing well and getting back to my best'.
Playing alongside Kroos
'I've been here for almost 11 years now and I know the expectation levels are high. There is always a lot of talk outside and that's normal because it's the best club in the world. Kroos and I were playing before the World Cup and we were doing well. Since the World Cup, just a month later, it's as if we weren't able to do it. We have won an awful lot playing together'.
The challenge of equalling Gento's 6 European Cups
'It would be amazing but we haven't spoken about that among ourselves. We're taking it game by game as we always have, just like we did last year. I hope we do the same again and we're ready for whatever the competition throws at us. We're going to have a good run'.
One goal away from his most prolific season
'I don't have any bets on with the coach. If I'd have scored the penalty the other day I'd already be there but I'm happy with the position I'm playing, sometimes slightly closer to the box, sometimes further away. I feel comfortable playing there and I'd like to continue'.
Vini Jr.
“We're right behind him, supporting him. I condemn any kind of racist abuse in football both on the pitch and of it. The authorities should act in more convincing fashion and Vini Jr. should be able to concentrate on his game, do what he's doing, perform well for the team and for himself. He has the full support of everyone at the club and we're here for anything he needs'.
His teammates stepping up in the centre of the park
“They're doing a great job and they have a fantastic future ahead of them. What they achieve here will depend on them alone. They have to keep working hard and learning lots. It's no coincidence that they're here. The club has invested in them because they're really good players. I'm sure they'll keep improving into the future”.
Croatian national side
“After the World Cup I said my plan was to keep going until the Nations League and I haven't thought any further ahead than that. I want to finish the Nations League, because I started it. Then I'll have a good think about what I'm going to do. Real Madrid have never demanded anything of me. They have never asked me to step down from the national team. It's not Real Madrid's style to give ultimatums and ask me to stop playing for my country. Playing for the national team has never affected my performances for Real Madrid. I know there is a lot of talk about my age but so far I've shown I can do it and I don't see the national side affecting my time with Real Madrid”.
'It would be amazing but we haven't spoken about that among ourselves. We're taking it game by game as we always have, just like we did last year. I hope we do the same again and we're ready for whatever the competition throws at us. We're going to have a good run'.
One goal away from his most prolific season
'I don't have any bets on with the coach. If I'd have scored the penalty the other day I'd already be there but I'm happy with the position I'm playing, sometimes slightly closer to the box, sometimes further away. I feel comfortable playing there and I'd like to continue'.
Vini Jr.
“We're right behind him, supporting him. I condemn any kind of racist abuse in football both on the pitch and of it. The authorities should act in more convincing fashion and Vini Jr. should be able to concentrate on his game, do what he's doing, perform well for the team and for himself. He has the full support of everyone at the club and we're here for anything he needs'.
His teammates stepping up in the centre of the park
“They're doing a great job and they have a fantastic future ahead of them. What they achieve here will depend on them alone. They have to keep working hard and learning lots. It's no coincidence that they're here. The club has invested in them because they're really good players. I'm sure they'll keep improving into the future”.
Croatian national side
“After the World Cup I said my plan was to keep going until the Nations League and I haven't thought any further ahead than that. I want to finish the Nations League, because I started it. Then I'll have a good think about what I'm going to do. Real Madrid have never demanded anything of me. They have never asked me to step down from the national team. It's not Real Madrid's style to give ultimatums and ask me to stop playing for my country. Playing for the national team has never affected my performances for Real Madrid. I know there is a lot of talk about my age but so far I've shown I can do it and I don't see the national side affecting my time with Real Madrid”.