Toni Kroos’ advice to Real Madrid stars facing fans wrath: ‘The only way out is…’ | OneFootball

Speaking on his podcast, Einfach mal Luppen (h/t AS), former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos discussed the team’s current plight.

The past couple of weeks have been quite tumultuous at Real Madrid, with the managerial change happening, following which they were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by a lower-division team.

Fans have turned on some of the biggest names in the squad, as the likes of Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, among others, have been booed and whistled at by supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kroos, drawing on his own experience, explained that the situation is one that is expected at Real Madrid when things are not going well.

“I was also knocked out of the Cup by a third-division team. We’re far from everything being perfect now, but even that golden generation went through low points,” Kroos stated.

“A player who hasn’t been booed at the Bernabeu isn’t a great player. In 2019, during the 4-1 defeat against Ajax, I also felt some boos directed at me,” he added.

For the German, emotions are part of wearing the shirt, and he also had an advice for the players on how to come out of the situation.

“If you’re already being booed before the match, it doesn’t make it any easier to achieve what the club and everyone want: to win and play well,” he said.

“It’s the current situation, which isn’t good, and the only way out is through results, attitude, and good play. We’ve all experienced it,” Kroos added.

Toni Kroos backs Real Madrid to turn things around. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Regarding the level of self-demand at Real Madrid, Kroos was emphatic, saying: “You could say this is Real Madrid, probably not at its best. But it pretty much sums up what it means to be here, to sign here.

“Whether it’s with the press or the fans, they rarely criticize smaller players. They always choose the big names, for better or for worse.” 

On the team itself and the direction in which the project is headed this season, Kroos added: “Last season was a transitional one; we didn’t win any titles, and at Real Madrid, that usually serves as a springboard.

After the three Champions League titles, 2019 was a disaster. But then we bounced back and improved. Now it’s the second season in a row where we don’t seem to be improving. That, combined with the demands, creates problems.”

Continuing, he added: “We’re not at a club that accepts long periods like this. You could see it in the decision regarding the coach and in the fans’ reaction. 

“The players know what they’re up against, but I’m sure they’re mentally strong enough to keep going and turn things around.”