Toni Kroos (foto: Instagram)
Toni Kroos praised Barcelona’s attractive style under Hansi Flick but warned their tactical rigidity could cost them dearly in the Champions League.
Toni Kroos, the legendary German midfielder and former Real Madrid star, offered a sharp analysis of Barcelona’s current playing style under coach Hansi Flick during his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen”. While he acknowledged their beautiful football, Kroos also pointed out serious flaws that make them vulnerable at the highest level.
Kroos described Barça’s football as “one of the most attractive styles in Europe”, but said their risk-taking and lack of tactical flexibility leave them open to defeat. “Barca have one of the most attractive styles, if not the most attractive in all of Europe, but I think they take too many risks. On a bad day for Pedri, Lamine or Raphinha, any team can damage them and beat them,” said Kroos.
He believes this obsession with sticking to one game plan could prevent the Catalan giants from winning in Europe. “They can be eliminated from the Champions League. Last year they already had that happen with Inter, and this year, whether in the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals or final, at some point they will meet such an opponent who will eliminate them. That will happen to them in the Champions League, not in the league because they are very dominant,” Kroos explained.
The German also highlighted a key weakness in the closing stages of matches. According to him, Barcelona don’t adapt tactically when players tire. “After the 75th minute you notice that everyone is more tired and you see that they do not change their style of closing down space. If you are tired and do not change your style of play, it becomes very obvious how exposed you are,” he concluded.
Kroos has yet to face Barcelona in this new era under Flick, but his analysis echoes the concerns of many analysts who see Barça’s bold approach as both their greatest strength and biggest weakness.