Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos spoke candidly about the state of former bitter rivals Barcelona warning the Blaugrana they are doomed to extend their Champions League title drought if changes aren’t made.
The former Germany international knows a thing or two about conquering Europe as one of five players in history to win six Champions League titles, the most of all time.
Though he’s now retired and involved in other ventures, Kroos sometimes makes appearances in his brother Felix Kroos’s podcast. Recently, he was asked to give his thoughts on Barcelona after Hansi Flick’s side lost consecutive games for the first time in 2025 and he sent the Catalans an ominous warning.
“They [Barcelona] take so many risks that in a bad day from Pedri, [Lamine] Yamal or Raphinha, any team can harm them,” Kroos said on the podcast. “And they can eliminate them from the Champions League.
“It already happened to them last year against Inter, and this year, whether it’s in the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals or final, they’re going to run into an opponent like that.
“Especially after the 75th minute, you can tell all of them [Barcelona players] are more tired, yet they don’t change to another style that closes spaces. If you’re tired and you don’t change your style, it becomes evident how exposed you are.”
