Luka Modric believes Real Madrid are improving under coach Santiago Solari.

Real begin their Club World Cup defence this week on the back of a scratchy 1-0 defeat of Rayo Vallecano.

But Modric says: "We are working on our physical preparation so that we can better express our talent and our qualities on the field.

"We must do more work. I believe that we have progressed to this point under the guidance of Solari. There is still room for improvement, but I think we will get to Abu Dhabi in a good shape.

"Motivation is always there when a trophy is at stake."