‘Any team can hurt them’ – Real Madrid legend critical of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has this week become the latest high-profile figure to call into question the tactical setup of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.

This of course comes fresh off something of a week to forget for the Blaugrana.

First, in something of a litmus test against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, Barca found themselves condemned to the wrong side of a 2-1 result.

Then, mere days later, a La Liga meeting with Sevilla ended in humiliation for the Spanish champions, by way of a 4-1 drubbing.

On both occasions, the tactics of the aforementioned Hansi Flick were highlighted by critics, after PSG and Sevilla took full advantage of the high line employed by Barcelona.

And as alluded to above, on Tuesday, joining this list of critics was Toni Kroos.

Speaking during an interview with El Chiringuito TV, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, ex-Real Madrid midfielder Kroos explained:

“Barcelona has one of the most attractive styles of play in Europe… the most attractive in Europe. But they take so many risks that, on a bad day for Pedri, Lamine Yamal, or Raphinha, any team can hurt them and eliminate them from the Champions League.

“It already happened to them last year with Inter Milan (in the Champions League semi-finals) and this year, whether in the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semi-finals or the final, at some point they will come up against an opponent like that. This will happen to Barcelona in the Champions League.

“Especially from the 75th minute onwards, you notice that everyone is more tired and doesn’t change their style to close down the spaces. If you’re tired and don’t change your style of play, it becomes very obvious how exposed you are.”

Conor Laird – GSFN