Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on the limited role of Luka Modric this season.

Modric has largely been reduced to appearances from the bench this season with Ancelotti preferring to use the younger Real Madrid stars.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti was again asked about Modric’s limited role at Madrid so far this season.

“I have talked about this topic many times with you and with him once. Enough,” Ancelotti said.

“Obviously for someone used to playing almost every game, or all of them, it’s hard, it’s difficult for him to sit on the bench. I respect and understand it perfectly.

“But his behaviour is very professional, serious, training, fighting. He is available and can play in any game, including tomorrow’s [against Rayo].

“He continues to contribute the same as he did before, when he played every game. He is a highly respected figure and an example of how he should be a professional.

“Every day he trains hard and, if he doesn’t play, he contributes what he contributed before. He continues to be a reference for the squad.”

He has to fight – Ancelotti sends message to Real Madrid player