US Edition“I Saw Him Make Cristiano Ronaldo Cry in the Locker Room” - Luka Modric Opens up on Working with Unforgiving Ex-Real Madrid Coach
Modrić revealed Mourinho's strict coaching at Real Madrid once brought Ronaldo to tears due to tactical criticism, highlighting their challenging relationship during 2010–2013.
- In remarks about Mourinho's methods, Luka Modrić said, `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,' Modrić told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
- Citing tactical clashes, Modrić said Mourinho is very direct with the players, but he's honest, while disagreements over defensive commitment and tracking back frustrated Mourinho and targeted Ronaldo.
- After the January 2013 Valencia match, Modrić's account matches reports of Mourinho confronting Ronaldo, who scored 168 goals in 164 appearances during their three seasons together.
- From that flashpoint, the relationship deteriorated rapidly, producing emotional distance within the squad; Mourinho said, `I had only one problem with him` while Ronaldo later praised Mourinho, saying `I would put him at the top, I always say that`.
- The episode positions Mourinho's methods as harsh, reinforcing suspicions about the Mourinho–Ronaldo relationship while Ronaldo, Al Nassr forward, age 40, chases 1,000 career goals recently.
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Luka Modric names toughest manager in the world who 'made Cristiano Ronaldo cry'
Ronaldo was reduced to tears after a particularly brutal dressing down (Picture: Getty) Luka Modric has named Jose Mourinho as the toughest coach he has ever worked under having once witnessed ‘The Special One’ make Cristiano Ronaldo cry. The Croatia legend is one of the greatest midfielders of all-time – the only player to win the Ballon d’Or award other than Ronaldo and Lionel Messi during a 13-year stretch between 2007 and 2021. He spent six …
Croatian football veteran Luka Modrić has worked with many famous coaches in his long career, and he singled out Jose Mourinho as the most demanding coach. In an interview with the Italian Corriere della Sera, the former Real Madrid midfielder pointed out that the Portuguese was very direct with his players, even making Cristiano Ronaldo cry.
Luka Modric revealed in an interview that José Mourinho made Ronaldo cry once in the bathroom because "for once he didn't pursue the rival side." Croatian player still leaves praise to the coach.
Milan's Croatian star reveals the severity of the "Special One" and praises Carlo Ancelotti and CR7
The 2025 was special for Luka Modric. At 39 years old he ended his relationship with Real Madrid to arrive in Italy and thus defend AC Milan where he has become one of the figures of the Italian squad.In this context, the Croatian held an interview with Corriere della Sera, in which he recalled the situation in which José Mourinho made Cristiano cry when they were all part of Real Madrid.In a first instance, the flyer referred to the form that t…
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