Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expressing concerns over the potential departures of midfield maestros Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and the impact it could have on the team's playing style. Both players, who boast five Champions League titles each, are set to become free agents on June 30 due to their expiring contracts.
Kroos recently stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding his future, while reports suggest that an announcement may follow the Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich. On the other hand, Modric is reportedly seeking a meeting with the club's board post the same fixture and is contemplating retirement if a new contract is not offered by President Florentino Perez.
Ancelotti, who values the influence of Kroos and Modric in shaping Real Madrid's style of play over the past decade, is particularly concerned about their potential exits. Despite a decrease in playing time compared to their peak years, the Italian coach relies on at least one of them, if not both, to orchestrate the team's performance on the field.
Kroos has been a more regular starter in the current season, while Modric has often found himself on the bench due to competition from Arda Guler. However, Modric was given the nod in Madrid's recent league matches against FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad, with a potential third consecutive start against Cadiz on the horizon as Real Madrid edges closer to securing the La Liga title.
Real Madrid's President Perez has strategically invested in young talents like Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga as potential successors to Modric and Kroos. Nevertheless, the irreplaceable contributions of the two club legends could leave a significant void in the team, akin to Barcelona's struggles following the departure of Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami last summer.
