Luka Modric admits he is “really surprised” by Liverpool’s struggles this season, but the Real Madrid star insists he is not taking anything for granted ahead of the Champions League final.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has admitted he is surprised by Liverpool’s inconsistency this season.
Although Jurgen Klopp’s side have won their last two games, they have been a shadow of their former selves this season and are currently eighth in the Premier League.
Liverpool host Real in the first leg of their Champions League-16 final draw on Tuesday and Modric is still wary of the threat he could pose.
Modric said: ‘I’m really surprised Liverpool are so far from top place in the Premier League, but at the moment they can say the same about us in La Liga. So I say nothing!
Luka Modric
“When we see the Liverpool team, we know they can react at any moment and come back to the season. I hope it won’t be against us in these two Champions League games, but we have to be ready.
“Despite our league seasons, a match between Liverpool and Real is one of the best shows the world of football has to offer. It’s a shame the draw meant we played so early in the league as it would have been a great Champions League final.’
Modric expects both legs of the game against Liverpool to be hard-fought encounters, but stated he sees Real as the favourite.
He said: “In terms of this first leg, I think defenses can be key. I don’t see many goals in the match. It will probably be two very even games, but I see Madrid as the favorites and we will go to Anfield looking for a win.
“Now that away goals no longer count double, it makes less difference whether you play first at home or away. But I always prefer to play the second leg at home, because at the Bernabeu we have seen many times how the fans in the stands influence this type of match.’
Madrid, meanwhile, are second in La Liga, five points behind leaders Barcelona, who have played one game fewer.
Real beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final last season and it will be interesting to see which team reaches the last 16 this season.
At times during this campaign, Liverpool looked lacking in cohesion and ideas. Darwin Nunez has looked impressive in recent games but the striker is doubtful for the first leg against Real due to a shoulder injury.