AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric has assessed the strength of Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, describing the Spanish side as “frightening”.
Mourinho returned to the club in June, beginning a second spell in charge of the team he previously managed between 2010 and 2013. Modric, who spent 13 years representing the Madrid giants, has offered his view on the quality of the side during the Portuguese coach’s return.
The Croatia international played for Real Madrid from 2012 until 2025, meaning he was part of the club during Mourinho’s earlier tenure. His assessment therefore comes from a player with extensive experience of the club and its demands.
Mourinho’s first period at Real Madrid lasted three seasons, from 2010 to 2013. His return in June has placed the former manager back at the helm of the “royal” club, while Modric is now continuing his career with AC Milan.
The midfielder’s comments centre on the strength of Real Madrid under Mourinho. He believes the team has an intimidating appearance, using the word “frightening” to describe the impression made by the current side.
Modric’s association with Real Madrid began in 2012, during the period in which Mourinho was in charge. He remained at the club until 2025 before moving on to AC Milan. His time in Madrid means he knows both the club’s environment and Mourinho’s approach from personal experience.
Mourinho’s first spell was completed in 2013, but the Portuguese coach has now returned to the club after an absence. That return in June has prompted renewed attention on the way Real Madrid are performing under his leadership.
Modric’s remarks provide an experienced perspective on the team’s standing. Although he is no longer representing Real Madrid, the Croatian midfielder spent a significant part of his career with the Spanish club and was there for the final year of Mourinho’s original spell.
The central message from Modric is that Real Madrid under Mourinho should not be viewed as an ordinary opponent. His description of the team as “frightening” reflects the strength he sees in the side following the manager’s return.
For Mourinho, the June appointment marks a return to a club he previously led between 2010 and 2013. For Modric, it is a development involving one of his former teams, having represented Real Madrid from 2012 to 2025 before joining AC Milan.
