Toni Kroos confident Real Madrid will succeed under Xabi Alonso – ‘I expect a better season’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos was known for two elements during his time at the club – his high-quality football on the field and his no-nonsense talk in front of the press.

Over the years, the German star carved up a reputation for being brutally honest on camera, and his decision to retire from the sport relatively early was only an extension of the same no-nonsense attitude.

Kroos’ departure from the club has left a void that they have struggled to fill – one that is now slowly being taken over by the likes of Arda Guler but will perhaps never be completely filled. After all, the German was in a league of his own and a part of a special generation.

Kroos’ honest interview

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Real Madrid legend discussed the complicated objective Real Madrid have in front of them this season, especially with a new manager and philosophy.

He began by speaking on the changes at the club in terms of new signings and how the team shapes up now.

“[They have] reinforced well,” he began.

He then spoke about what he expects from the team this season, saying: “I expect a better season than the previous one.”

“There is room for improvement,” he added.

Speaking in particular about Dean Huijsen who has established himself as a reliable cog in the team’s defence, Kroos made it clear that he loved the Spaniard’s profile.

“A very complete centre-back has been signed, strong in the aerial game, fast and with a good buildup from behind.”

“Some young people have also joined. We will have to see their impact. But I think the season will be better,” he added on the other signings.

The interviewer then went on to ask the German maestro about how much patience Florentino Perez would have with Xabi Alonso if things do not go to plan, especially given his history as a player at the club.

“I think Xabi comes with another status other than Lopetegui. His history as a player helps, but it does not protect him if he does not win titles three years in a row,” Kroos said.

Toni Kroos expects Real Madrid to enjoy a better season than the last one. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Elaborating on how managers are quite easily made the scapegoats for the team’s shortcomings and failures, the legendary midfielder said:

“Trust with the coach matters. It is not always the result, because confidence allows you to overcome temporary bad results. Sometimes, coaches are fired after four games. But the belief in his ability can give him room.”

“The perception of the players and team leaders also matters. You usually hear what the staff thinks about the coach. The way in which a game is lost also influences it. It’s not just the result, but the how. This influences the duration of the coach,” he added.

The former Real Madrid star then made it clear that neither players nor managers were guaranteed anything in the sport.

“No one is completely sure of their position, whether they are players or coaches.”

The club legend was then asked to speak on where Real Madrid fell short last season, but he made it clear that he did not wish to go into depth on that topic.

“It makes no sense to talk about it.”

“The problem last year was that no really strong team was beaten. Very unusual,” he added on the team’s run last season.

Kroos also gave his honest verdict on the team’s chances this season, especially with a rejuvenated squad and a new manager.

“It will not be easy to win titles, Barcelona are still strong and the Champions League is tough: Real Madrid, Barça, Liverpool, City, Bayern, PSG, Arsenal.”

“[They] play better football, it is too early to judge. Last week was a good game, but it’s still too early for a final evaluation,” he added on the improvement.

Towards the end of his interview, the German star was asked about Alonso’s decision to bench Vinicius Jr in the team’s last game, to which he said,

“There were obvious changes in some positions and in the game. It would take more tests for a final forecast.”

Finally, he closed his interview by calling for patience and faith in the club and the project being constructed.

“The intensity of training and internal competition is good, this dynamic is directly reflected in the team’s performance during the games.”

Source: AS