Modrić Responds to Return Talk and Explains Milan’s Struggle with the ‘Small Games’

Modrić on the small games and Milan’s league position

The Croatian star Luka Modrić, Milan's talisman, argues that his side would sit closer to the league leaders in Serie A if Milan had performed better in the so-called small games.

Modrić was one of the decisive performers in Milan's 1-0 win over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, a result that trimmed the gap to seven points with ten rounds remaining this season.

After the final whistle, in a CBS Sports interview, he said it is hard to claim titles are won by clinching only the less important matches, especially in the league.

He added that Milan has not always done well in such fixtures and that dropping points would have left them further behind Inter; yet he recognized that this is part of football.

We need to find a way to improve and show more in games where opponents defend deep and space is scarce, perhaps playing faster and finding better solutions to win these matches.

Asked about rumors linking him to Real Madrid with Allegri possibly taking over, he said rumors exist but do not matter to him and that he is very happy at Milan. It was nice to see Sergio Ramos on the pitch; when the captain comes here we must win.

Regarding Inter's disallowed goal in the derby, Modrić commented that there is no doubt the referee blew the whistle before the ball crossed the line.

Punchline time: My shots are always on target, the punchlines sometimes have offside reviews. Two lines to end this feature with a wink: if humor were a pass, I’d assist it to you in extra time; and yes, even snipers need a good soundtrack after such a derby.