Modric: “In the first half we didn’t meet the requirements of this competition”

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric talked to the press after the disappointing 2-3 loss to Shakthar, which happened just three days after yet another home loss to Cadiz and just two days ahead of a pivotal El Clasico against Barcelona.

Modric discussed what happened during the game, especially during the first half, which ended 0-3 for the Ukrainian team.

“In the first half we didn’t meet the requirements of this competition, in the second we tried to improve and we did but it wasn’t enough to level or win the game. We have to improve, obviously, we lacked some confidence today, mainly in the first half. We have to keep going, the next game will be played soon and we don’t have time to grieve, we have to do better in the next games,” said Modric.

The midfielder was asked about the team’s reaction during the second half.

“It was not enough to revert what happened in the first. Our next game is almost here and we have to do better. Zidane told us we have to press more and better than we did in the first half, that he have to stay together. I think we did that in the second half and scored twice. It’s a tough loss but we have time and we will improve,” he explained.

Then, Modric was optimistic about the team’s chances of bouncing back.

“We’re not happy generally speaking but we are sure that we will do better. It’s good for us that we have a game soon, we have to stay together, trust ourselves and our quality because we didn’t forget how to play football. El Clasico is always a different game and I’m sure we will be up for it,” concluded the midfielder.