• Premier League

Absent Modric draws the wrath of Villas-Boas

ESPN staff
July 22, 2012

Andre Villas-Boas has attacked the actions of wantaway midfielder Luka Modric, after the Croatian failed to travel with Tottenham for their pre-season tour of America.

Modric did not board the flight with the Spurs squad, as he continues to angle for a move away from White Hart Lane. The Daily Telegraph reports the midfielder is also facing an £80,000 fine for refusing to train on Friday.

Villas-Boas is a big fan of Modric's footballing ability, having tried to sign him for Chelsea last summer. However, he now faces the prospect of losing the player - most likely to Real Madrid - and claims Modric's decision to leave Spurs will backfire.

"I think Modric is wrong. This will go against him," Villas-Boas is reported as saying in AS. "He has worsened the situation with what he's doing and now the chairman [Daniel Levy] is very angry.

"This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill."

Spurs are scheduled to face LA Galaxy on Tuesday, with a meeting against Liverpool also penned into the diary. Clearly Villas-Boas still wants Modric to form part of his plans, and he admits Tottenham will be rocked by the Croatian's anticipated departure.

"He's good, very good. I tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. He will be a big loss," Villas-Boas confessed. "He's a player who can make the difference, who gives a lot of clarity to the play when the team needs it and who can play in several positions."

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