Former club midfielder highlighted their lack of control and confidence in the clásico, while praising Barcelona’s calmness under pressure
Toni Kroos has offered a frank assessment of the Real Madrid squad after their clásico loss to Barcelona at Montjuic on Sunday. The German midfielder said that his old club struggled for control and composure, even when they were two goals up.
“Even with Real Madrid leading 2-0, I had doubts,” Kroos said on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, co-hosted with his brother. “It was almost a blessing to take the lead so early, but I still didn’t feel like we were in control.”
Barcelona came from 2-0 down to go up 4-2, before eventually wining the match at 4-3. There was some late Madrid pressure but La Blagurana managed it fairly well. They could have added a fifth late on, but Fermin Lopez‘s goal was ruled out due to a handball in the build-up. Kroos applauded the way Barcelona remained composed and came back into the game.
“That’s what’s truly impressive about Barça,” said the midfielder. “They continue playing as if nothing had happened. You can’t tell they’re afraid of losing. You could tell Real Madrid were still having doubts after that 2-0 defeat.
“[Barcelona] have a lot of ease with the ball. Madrid aren’t coming in with the best confidence, and what’s surprising is that they didn’t take advantage after that. It’s surprising.”
But injuries have played a role in Real Madrid’s inconsistency, and Kroos admitted that. With most of the first-choice defenders sidelined, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have struggled to play out from the back under pressure.
“You’ve lost almost your entire defence,” said Kroos. “You expect Real Madrid to be a team that plays from the back, and to do that, you need players who can do it.
“Most teams press you high up the pitch, and that’s why it’s been so difficult to compete against the best this year.”
