Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the snubbing of veteran midfielder Luka Modric in the 2-1 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday.

While Arda Guler – who has been linked with a loan move away from the club this month – made it off the bench, Modric didn’t which was picked up on by the press.

Probed on why the Croatian wasn’t even sent to warm up, Ancelotti responded “Because”, took a pause, then said: “When I’m not sure he’s going to play, I don’t warm him up. I have to respect him.”

“When I’m sure he’s going to come on, I warm him up. But when I have doubts, no,” Ancelotti clarified.