La Liga giants Real Madrid have not been up to par recently. League leaders, a string of disappointing performances, including the 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, has some doubting Los Blancos' title credentials.
This unfortunate dip in form coincided with the loss of Croatian playmaker Luka Modric. The 29-year-old midfielder was forced to spend three long months on the sidelines after picking up a thigh injury back in November whilst on international duty.
The former Tottenham man is one of Real Madrid's key asset. The 10-time Champions League winners' midfielder has looked only a shadow of itself from when Modric was striding his talent on the pitch.
This is a fair depiction of his influence in the squad. Long gone are the days when Modric was named worst signing of the season, alongside Barcelona outcast Alex Song, currently on loan at West Ham.
This said, news of Modric's return to training will be gladly welcomed by the club, their manager, and the loyal fans. The Croat, who has a goal and two assists to his name this season, resumed training on Thursday, and Les Merengues will be eager to usher him back into the first-team setup.
Good news for Madrid fans. Luka Modric back in training with the first team squad #realmadrid pic.twitter.com/oUOXolyBFB
— AS English (@English_AS) February 19, 2015
Training | Cristiano, Bale, & Modric. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/dr8eeskLiH
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TeamRonaldo) February 21, 2015
Luka Modric on iG: "Great to be back training with the team #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/nPwldjZfDg
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) February 20, 2015
Sunday's clash will come to soon, however, for Modric. In fact, he is aiming at making his full competitive return in a month's time for March 22nd's highly-anticipated El Clasco tie at Camp Nou.
Ancelotti: "Modric is well, he is feeling good. He has yet to do a complete training session."
— Real Madrid Info (@RmadridInfo) February 21, 2015
Until then, though, the Madrid giants will have to rely on Carlo Ancelotti to hold the team together. Despite popular belief, the club cannot count on Cristiano Ronaldo to see them through the dark times. Players go through rough patches, and as displayed by the Portuguese ace in his last few games, he himself is not exempt from that.
The Italian boss brings a positive influence to the team and players alike, unlike a particular Portuguese manager who proceeded him. Carlo has the hearts of the fans, the backing of the board, and the support of the dressing room.
Ancelotti's philosophy is integral if his side look to push forward and move on from the alleged crisis. A firm believer in team harmony, the Real Madrid manager lamented his problem solving techniques in an interview back in December, one which many coaches could stand to benefit from if followed.
"I like to think that even after the darkest night, the sun will rise the following morning. You can go through tough times, but they do pass eventually. There are tough times every year, but the most important thing is to stick together. The easiest option is to blame someone, the manager or some of the players... but the key thing is to find a solution to the problem," the former AC Milan tactician told Votre Coach.
This personifies Ancelotti's admirable principles. Expect the Italian to be an inspirational figure and leader for Real Madrid for years to come.
