Bilic Confirms Modric Will Remain Key for Croatia and Milan

Luka Modric will continue with Croatia beyond the recent World Cup, with new head coach Slaven Bilic confirming that the 41-year-old remains central to both the national team and Ruben Amorim’s Milan.

Croatia’s October international schedule

Modric had been widely expected to end his international career after the World Cup, but discussions with Bilic resulted in the captain committing to the next phase of Croatia’s programme. Bilic said the pair spent three hours together in Zadar, adding that there was no need to convince a player whose importance remains clear.

The coach pointed to Modric’s display against Juventus as further evidence of his standing at Milan. Bilic described the midfielder as the Italian club’s key figure, stressing that his influence reaches beyond his technical contribution on the pitch.

There will, however, be a carefully controlled workload during Croatia’s four-match window. Bilic has ruled out using Modric in every fixture, saying the veteran must operate on a schedule suited to both player and team, similar to the one he follows at Milan. The manager believes managing his minutes is the sensible course for everyone involved.

Bilic’s first squad brings change but retains an experienced spine. Alongside Modric, Mateo Kovacic remains in the group, while Josko Gvardiol is also included. Dominik Livakovic is another prominent selection following his move to Barcelona.

The Croatia coach acknowledged that Livakovic has yet to play this season, while describing his Barcelona transfer as a landmark moment for the country’s goalkeeping tradition. No Croatian goalkeeper has previously represented a club of Barcelona’s stature, Bilic noted, but he also made clear that regular club minutes are important for the 31-year-old.

Livakovic has previously maintained his Croatia level during a spell without football at Girona, and Bilic said the goalkeeper retains substantial credit with the national side. Still, the manager’s preference is for him to be playing regularly, particularly with demanding games against the Czech Republic, Spain and England ahead.

Croatia begin away to the Czech Republic on September 26 before travelling to meet reigning world and European champions Spain three days later. England visit Rijeka on October 3, with Spain then returning for the final match in Split on October 6. The sequence will provide an early examination of Bilic’s new group, and of how effectively Croatia can preserve Modric’s influence across a demanding week.