Real Madrid and Croatia icon Luka Modric has identified Jose Mourinho as the most demanding coach he has ever encountered, sharing a remarkable story of the Portuguese manager reducing Cristiano Ronaldo to tears during their time together in Spain.
The Toughest Coach and a Tearful Ronaldo
In a candid interview with Italian publication Corriere della Sera, the 40-year-old midfield maestro reflected on his relationships with the most prominent managers of his storied career. While discussing Carlo Ancelotti and his current AC Milan boss, Massimiliano Allegri, Modric reserved a special mention for Mourinho's intense methods.
Modric recounted a specific dressing room incident where Mourinho's criticism was so severe it made Cristiano Ronaldo cry. "I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the locker room, a man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn't chase the opposing full-back," Modric revealed. He described Mourinho as brutally honest and direct with every player, from established stars like Sergio Ramos to new signings.
Modric's Madrid Journey Under 'The Special One'
Modric's path with Mourinho began when the coach signed him from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012. However, Mourinho's second stint at the Bernabeu was turbulent; he left just a year later after a season without silverware, with his relationships with club legends like Ramos, Iker Casillas, and Ronaldo becoming famously strained.
The Croatian, who spent six years playing alongside Ronaldo at Madrid, winning four Champions League titles, emphasised that Mourinho's honesty, while harsh, was a defining trait. He noted that Allegri shares a similar direct approach, stating, "He tells you to your face what's right and what's wrong. Honesty is fundamental."
Ancelotti Hailed as the Ultimate Manager
Despite acknowledging Mourinho's formidable nature, Modric named Carlo Ancelotti as the number one coach in his career. His praise focused not just on tactical acumen but on Ancelotti's human qualities. "It's hard to find the words. For his way of being, not just for his qualities on the bench," Modric said.
He shared a personal anecdote from when he first arrived in Madrid, feeling alone until Ancelotti invited him to dinner. "We talked for hours, about everything. Football, family, life. Usually, coaches don't trust their players. He does," Modric explained, highlighting the unique bond and trust Ancelotti fosters.
Now plying his trade at AC Milan, Modric remains one of football's most revered figures, famously being the only player to break the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly on the Ballon d'Or between 2007 and 2021.
