Luka Modric, AC Milan and Croatia player
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Luka Modric may no longer be a Real Madrid player, but he remains one of the most respected figures for Los Blancos.
He has now dismissed concerns over the club’s difficult start to the season, insisting Jose Mourinho has a squad capable of closing the six-point gap to Barcelona.
The former Madrid midfielder knows better than most how quickly the mood can change at the Bernabeu.
Modric backs Mourinho’s Madrid
In an interview with Diario AS (h/t Madrid Zone), his message was simple: the season is far too young for anyone to consider the title race finished.
“Real Madrid struggling? It’s only the start,” Modric said.
“I see Madrid, with Mourinho, has a fantastic team ready to compete for all titles this year.”
Those words carry particular weight coming from a player who spent so many years dealing with the pressure and expectations surrounding Real Madrid.
Luka Modric of Croatia
Luka Modric remains confident about Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Madrid’s position is uncomfortable, particularly because Barcelona have already established a six-point advantage.
However, Modric does not believe that the gap should create panic.
“There’s no need to worry or think that everything is over because Barcelona is leading by six points,” he continued.
“This team is totally capable of closing the gap and winning the league.”
Six points cannot decide a season in October
This should be exactly the perspective inside Madrid as well.
A six-point deficit is significant, especially against a Barça side showing little sign of slowing down, but October is too early to consider it decisive.
Mourinho’s team have issues to solve. Their performances away from home have raised questions, and injuries have complicated the start of the campaign.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Jose Mourinho has significant work to do to get the squad back on track. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Portuguese tactician is also still searching for the ideal balance in several positions. None of these problems, however, are irreversible.
Madrid still have time to respond
Modric’s message is not that Madrid should ignore their shortcomings. It is that they have enough quality and enough time to correct them.
Madrid cannot rely on their reputation to erase six points. They need greater consistency and cannot afford to let Barcelona stretch the advantage much further.
However, Modric has experienced enough title races to understand that championships are not settled in the opening rounds.
Mourinho’s Madrid have work to do, but Modric knows better than to write them off. It remains to be seen how they improve after the international break.
Mourinho considering leaving superstar duo out of Real Madrid starting XI vs Villarreal – report
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius of Real Madrid
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho is considering a major selection decision ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Villarreal, with Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe potentially starting on the bench together for the first time.
According to Defensa Central, the possibility is being discussed because of the contrasting fitness concerns surrounding the two forwards after the international break.
Rather than a disciplinary measure, the decision would be aimed at managing their workloads before a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Vinicius faces fatigue concerns
The Brazilian returns after featuring in all three of Brazil’s friendlies in Australia and India.
His international commitments involved long-distance travel as well as significant minutes, leaving Mourinho to assess his condition before selecting the team.
But physical freshness is not the only consideration, as Vinicius has struggled to produce his best football this season, and a short spell out of the starting line-up could give the coaching staff an opportunity to reset his role without making a long-term statement about his standing.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
Vinicius is coming off a demanding tour with Brazil. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
The plan is not to sideline him indefinitely. Rather, Mourinho needs Vinicius at his best for the decisive matches ahead, making the Villarreal game a possible opportunity to manage his workload while demanding a stronger response.
What about Mbappe?
Mbappe’s situation is less about form and more about fitness.
The France international suffered a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee and has begun individual work at Real Madrid City.
Even if he is cleared to return to the squad, which is likely to be the case, Mourinho will have to judge whether the forward can withstand the demands of a full match.
Starting him prematurely could create an unnecessary risk just as Real Madrid enter a busy stretch of the season.
The club’s attacking alternatives, including Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham, could give Mourinho room to adjust his approach.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Mbappe was injured while on international duty. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Depending on availability and tactical requirements, Carlos Espi and Yan Diomande are also among the names mentioned as possible options.
Focus on El Clasico
The Villarreal match is the first step in a run that includes Roma, Sevilla and RB Leipzig before Real Madrid meet Barcelona on October 25.
That schedule gives Mourinho a clear reason to think beyond one starting XI.
Leaving both stars out would be a notable decision, but it would not necessarily signal a change in their status.
The more important question is whether a carefully managed return can help them contribute consistently through October.
Hence, all things considered, Mourinho’s final call will depend on their condition in training, with the aim of having his key attackers ready for the fixtures that matter most.