Bilić wants Modrić to remain in the national team after taking charge of the team
According to Championat.
Context
Luka Modrić, aged 40, is an iconic figure in Croatian football, having accumulated 202 caps and 29 goals for the national team. His career includes spells at prestigious clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham and Real Madrid. Modrić's influence in the dressing room and on the field is crucial for Croatia, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Why this matters
Luka Modrić's continuity in the Croatian national team is crucial, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Modrić's experience and leadership are invaluable for a team that aims to be successful at the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The captain's presence can positively influence the young talents that are emerging in the national team.
Main conclusions
- Bilić wants Modrić to remain in the national team after taking charge of the team.
- Slaven Bilić, recently appointed Croatia coach, stated that he would like to see Luka Modrić remain in the team.
- Билич высказался о Модриче после своего назначения на пост тренера сборной Хорватии.
Slaven Bilić was officially appointed as Croatia's new coach and, at the start of his term, he made clear his wishes regarding one of the greatest figures in Croatian football: Luka Modrić. In statements cited by the newspaper AS, the coach stated that he would like to see the midfielder continue to represent the national team. Without closing the door on any scenario, Bilić thus signaled his appreciation for the captain's influence and experience inside the locker room and on the pitch.
The new selector's position comes at a time when the international press has said that Modrić, currently 40 years old, may consider ending his international career after the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Croatian federation announced Bilić's appointment through its official platforms, kicking off a new cycle that has the World Cup as its main objective on the horizon.
Modrić is one of the unmissable names in the history of Croatian football. The midfielder stood out at Dinamo Zagreb before moving to the Premier League to represent Tottenham and, since 2012, he has been a key player at Real Madrid. For the main team, he has 202 caps and 29 goals, numbers that attest to the longevity and relevance of his contribution. In addition to his talent on the ball, the captain has been a beacon of leadership for successive generations of Croatian players.
For Bilić, keeping Modrić in the group means preserving precious experience in this phase of transition and construction towards the 2026 World Cup, an edition expanded to 48 teams and 104 games. Croatia has been a regular presence in the major final stages and leaves, once again, with ambitions to go far, supported by a solid competitive base and references that know the decisive stages well.
Modrić's continuity will naturally depend on a joint assessment between the player and the technical team, taking into account his physical condition, the management of the club's calendars and the national team's objectives. For now, there is the public signal from the selector, which highlights the importance of the number 10 as a technical and emotional reference for the group.
Without revealing any further details about immediate plans, Bilić begins his work with a clear message: value experience, consolidate Croatia's competitiveness and prepare the team for the challenges that lie ahead on the way to the 2026 World Cup. Modrić's international future will continue to be one of the central themes in the coming months, in a decision that could mark the direction of the team on the big stage.
What happens next
With Slaven Bilić now in charge, Croatia will be able to start a new cycle, with the 2026 World Cup as the main objective. Modrić's decision on whether to continue with the national team could be influenced by the new coach and his vision for the team. The Croatian federation and fans will be paying close attention to Modrić's next statements regarding his international future.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the Croatia national team?
Slaven Bilić has been named Croatia's new coach.
Who confirmed the desire to keep Modrić in the team?
Slaven Bilić expressed his wish that Luka Modrić continues to represent the national team.
Why does Bilić now want Modrić to continue?
Bilić wants to preserve Modrić's experience and influence during the team's transition towards the 2026 World Cup.
What changes are expected in the Croatian national team?
Bilić's appointment marks the beginning of a new cycle for the Croatian national team, with the 2026 World Cup
as the main objective.
What is Luka Modrić's current situation in the national team?
Modrić, aged 40, may consider ending his international career after the 2026 World Cup.