Real Madrid icon warns Barcelona are paying the price for risky play – ‘Anyone can knock them out’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has sounded the alarm on FC Barcelona, claiming the club is paying dearly for the risks it takes and suggesting these could prove costly in the Champions League.

Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen (h/t MARCA), which he hosts with his brother Felix, Kroos analysed Barcelona’s recent struggles after their defeat to PSG and a heavy loss to Sevilla.

The retired German praised Barcelona’s style but also flagged their vulnerabilities. “Barcelona has one of the most attractive styles of play in Europe.

“The most attractive in Europe,” he said, acknowledging the flair and appeal of their approach.

Yet he was quick to highlight the dangers of Hansi Flick’s system when key players underperform.

“I also think that Barcelona take so many risks. On a bad day for Pedri, Lamine Yamal or Raphinha, any team can hurt them and knock them out of the Champions League,” Kroos explained.

Fatigue and vulnerability could cost Barcelona

Kroos warns Barcelona are playing risky football. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Kroos also pointed to historical examples to reinforce his warning.

“It happened to them last year with Inter Milan, and this year, whether in the round of 16, the quarterfinals, the semifinals, or the final, at some point they will come up against an opponent like that.”

He added, “This will happen to Barcelona in the Champions League,” but clarified that he does not see it affecting La Liga performance: “I don’t think it will happen in La Liga because they are very dominant.”

The former Real Madrid star highlighted fatigue late in games as a key problem.

“Especially after the 75th minute, you notice that everyone is more tired and they don’t change to another style of closing down space,” he said.

He concluded by stressing how this can leave the team exposed: “If you’re tired and you don’t change your style of play, it becomes very obvious how exposed you are.”