TONI KROOS - DE CARA COM O CARA #20

Germany 7-1. What do you think of that game?

There were moments in the game when we didn't even think it was possible.

Many Brazilians come to Europe and don't match up, they fail. Do you understand that this is a lack of mentality? It's always been easier to win a World Cup than the Champions League. Hendrik arrived at Real Madrid very well and now he's lost his spot. What advice would you give him at this moment?

I think this means that Brazilian football is doing well. And the best teams in Brazil can compete with those in Europe.

Do you believe that with Ancelotti as coach, Brazil will become stronger?

That's the big question about Neymar. When will he be at 100%? So What's up, guys? Today our guest is a very international player.

He has won many Champions League titles,

he was world champion, German, and his name is Tony Kroos. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Tony, I'm here to talk to you about your career.

I'm here to talk to you about your career. I'm here to talk to you about your career. I was world champion, German, and his name is Tony Kroos. Pleasure. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Tony, it's been a year since you retired.

How's life?

Very good, very good. Still very good. I'm not a footballer anymore, I'm an ex-footballer, but life is still beautiful, it's good. I've been through a lot in my life, but I'm just as happy as before. I've finished an important stage of almost 30 years with football, but I'm happy anyway. I'm working with kids now,

it has given me a bit of experience, but life is beautiful.

Now you're working on a project with the league. Tell us about it.

It's a league I have in Germany that's a bit different, you know, we play 5 on 5, with walls, a bit like football, and I think football is very famous in Brazil too, so there are a lot of players with good technique, a lot of intensity, and it comes out quite well. People like it, they like to see it, because of course, it's a lot of intensity, a lot of goals, a lot of technical actions and it's something beautiful that goes very well there in Germany. Why does the Kings League have it and just one more option for the fans. I think that football in general will always be number one,

but I think we try to give the fans one more option. Because when I talk to kids, they often tell me that football in general, if the Bundesliga is in Germany, in Germany, is sometimes very boring. 90 minutes of football with a 0-0, 1-0 logo, there are many kids who are bored. And we try to give them one more option,

with more intensity, more goals, with much more spectacle. Do you have any idea of taking it to Brazil? Well, for you, since FUT is very famous in Brazil, it would be a very good idea, because I think it could do very well in Brazil, as there are so many good players, technically speaking, and it's more street football, right? That you have in Brazil, and this,. And that's where good players come from.

That's true. Tony Cross Academy, how is this project?

Well, this is a project where I work day to day. I work with the kids all day. This year I've trained two teams of 8, 9, 10 year old kids. I love it. It gives the kids a bit of my experience, my knowledge of football. I think it's important because in the end they are our future.

I love working with them day by day, seeing the evolution. The kids are the difference between working with kids or adults, the kids come here every day to learn. They listen to me, they always give everything, and there you don't need to deal with problems, you know, like in professional football, or different characters. Here they come to enjoy, to improve and to work.

I love working with kids for that.

How old are the kids?

Here at the academy we have kids from 5 to 18 years old. And I personally train two teams where the kids are 8, 9, 10 years old. Because for me it's a very interesting age.

Are there also foreign kids?

Yes, there are some who have been living here in Spain for a long time. But yes, there are also some from South America too, to enjoy the sounds and yes.

Hey guys, a quick break here with Tony Kroos for that message from the Gold Case, thanks!

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Let's talk about your story. You played for many clubs. Which was the biggest and the best of all?

Well, that's an easy answer, I think. I was lucky. Maybe you see it differently, as a former Barcelona player, but I think I played for the best club in the world, and this for 10 years. And that's why my time at Madrid, without a doubt, has been the most successful, but also one where I personally felt very comfortable during these 10 years.

We have had a lot of success, a lot of trophies, but also in the club. The club has been a great family and these 10 years have certainly been the best 10 years as a footballer. How was it to work with the Brazilians? I don't know why, but I've always liked the Brazilians. But since I was very young, I played for a year and a half in Leverkusen. And I played with, for example, Renato Augusto. And then in Bayern, I played with Rafinha, Dante, then in Madrid with Vini, Militao, Rodrigo, Casemiro

and I always had a very good relationship with everyone. I love how Brazilians enjoy life, you know? Maybe it's a bit the opposite of Germans, of the mentality, but I don't know why, but I've always had a very good relationship with them. It's always been very funny, I laugh a lot, we've worked very well on the field too. And I enjoyed a lot, for example, playing for many years alongside Casemiro, or playing with Vini, who understood me perfectly as a midfielder and a forward. We have a very good connection. I've always loved the Brazilians.

Your relationship with the Brazilians has always been a father-son relationship. Do you understand that these players have a great importance in their careers?

Yes, maybe. We have to ask them that. I think they really value what I have done. For example, when I talk about Casimiro, we have played together for many years and we've understood each other perfectly, but not only on the pitch, but also off it. I think this is always very important to convey, that the connection on the pitch is not only valid. There is often something behind it, you know, that you also get along well as people because you have been together for a long time, you know? You know how it is, you play 90 minutes but you have a lot of trips, a lot of training, you spend a lot of time together and if you don't have a good relationship or a bad relationship,

it's very difficult to work well on the pitch. That's why I've always had a very good relationship with Brazilians. And of course, it's been very successful, with Casemiro, with Vini. I think we've always taken advantage of each other's qualities. I took advantage of Casemiro's qualities a lot, he helped me a lot. The other way around, me and him.

Me too, with Vini, forini, he took advantage of my passes. But I also did, because in the end, my passes are only worth something if someone scores.

And who was the most fun, funniest Brazilian you worked with?

I'm sure everyone else has bulls, but I remember Rafinha being one of the craziest, no doubt about that, but he was a very good person too. And when you ask the players who had to play against him, they always suffered a lot, but he was a very good and funny person.

Hendrik arrived at Real Madrid very well, but now he has lost his place.

What advice would you give him at this moment?

I think that for a player like Hendrik, especially at this age, the most important thing is to play. If you don't have the possibility to play a lot here, the best way is to go to another club, if it's a loan or something, to play. When I was 18 years old, I was in Bayern Munich and I was with the first team, I played a few times, but not a lot. So I decided to go to Leverkusen to play for a year and a half. I played everything, everything, everything.

And then I came back to Bayern as another player, with more experience, with more quality. So I think that for young players in general, for everyone, the most important thing is to play.

Many Brazilians come to Europe and don't correspond, they fail. Do you understand that this is a lack of mentality?

It's normal, it's normal. I think that Brazilians, or in general the South Americans, have a different mentality than the Germans. I think that the Spaniards are a bit closer, but of course, it has happened that they need a few months to get used to the mentality of the coaches, of the different training. That's why it's hard for them at the beginning, but I always think that those who have the quality will always triumph.

Xabi Alonso is receiving a lot of criticism lately. How do you evaluate his work as a coach?

First of all, I think the most difficult thing as a coach is training in Madrid. This is not easy. It's a different pressure than Liverpool. Of course. Here you can win games, but no one is happy. There are few clubs like that. And if you lose or draw, which has happened lately, the reactions are different.

The club is not used to this. And here the criticism comes very quickly. You have very little time as a coach to create something. You can't think about my project Madrid. I want us to play like this in a year or two. You can have it in your head, but you always need results.

There is little time, but I am convinced that Xavi is a very good coach and that he has the quality to join Madrid. There is no doubt about it. But I think we all know what Madrid means. And he is the first one to play here. He's very aware. He knows the club perfectly and he knew before he came here what could happen. I think you have to give it time and be calm, but these are very difficult things.

Tony, Germany 7-1 Brazil in the 2014 World Cup. What comes to your mind from that game? to 2014 and I only have good memories of it. But not only because of the tournament and the Cup, which of course was great, but also because of the 6, 7, 8 had a great time there on the beach, as a team. With the people from Brazil, who always supported us.

You had a very positive connection with the Brazilians.

Yes, a lot. And of course, looking back, when we played in Brazil, but the reaction of the people after the game, of the Brazilians, has been very positive. I remember when we came back to our field and we thought, let's see how the fans and the workers are waiting for us. We came and everyone applauded us. And then they told us, we just have to win the final against Argentina, please. Because our relationship is not the best. That's why I only have good memories of these 6 or 7 weeks in Brazil.

Was this match the most incredible match you've played in your life?

I was lucky to play many big matches, Champions League finals, but one of the top 5 for sure. Also because there were moments in the game where neither we nor the players of Brazil could believe it, not even the Brazilian players. I knew some of them, like Dante and this. And of course, I felt a bit sorry for them too, but I think that in the minute 30, 35, when we were 5-0, neither we nor them could believe what was happening.

When Ancelotti was invited to go to Brazil to be a coach, he was still in Real Madrid.

Did you talk about his possibility of going to Brazil? Yes, I think he already had the possibility a year before, because he was him already, but then he stayed in Madrid. We haven't talked much, but when I went to the farewell party of Luka Modric in the summer, we talked a bit, because we saw each other, and it was just the day before he was going to Brazil. I wished him good luck because I knew he had a lot of injury to do it. I had contact with Madrid and it's not bad to be here. I knew he had a lot of injury to train in Brazil and take him to the World Cup. I hope he does well. of injuries training in Brazil and taking him to the World Cup now.

I hope he does well, that's what I wish for him of course.

Do you believe that with Ancelotti as a coach, Brazil is getting stronger?

Well, the truth is that I haven't were many complicated matches in the last 1 or 2 years, it has not always gone well, and of course, they also have hope now, knowing Carlo, of course, that this will go better. And of course, the test will be world class, because now they are already classified and have some friends. But as for all the teams, in the end, you have to show it in the tournament. But I think they have a coach that everyone knows. He knows what it means to win titles. If you know, you're a goal scorer.

He has a lot.

He has a lot, yes. And I hope he does well. That's what I wish for him and, of course, for the other players.

Do you think that Brazil has climbed or fallen today?

Comparing to?

Brazil in 2014 and 2018.

I think they are doing better because they have players like Vini who are now at a different level, who are a bit older, who still have more quality. Hopefully Militao comes, who is injured again, who for me could be a spectacular game, but the problem is the injuries. But comparing it to the 2014 game, I'm sure it's better today.

You played many games against Neymar. Neymar is the big name in Brazilian football. Do you think Neymar will come and Brazil will have a better chance of winning?

What do you think?

I think so, for sure.

If he plays, he he be 100%? This is a question from the last few years. And you never know how he is physically. With a lot of injuries, of course. I think he also lacks the rhythm of how many games he's lost in the last few years because of injuries.

I think it's very difficult to say. I'm not so close to him. Now he's injured again, he has to have surgery again, he's not coming back. We don't know when he'll be back. And of course, there are only six months left until the World Cup starts.

So we don't have to talk about Neymar, who is physically well, who can help his team in the world. But that's the question. Is he physically well or not? Because if he's not well, it's very difficult to help.

You played with many Brazilians. Do you know any Brazilian team? Did you watch the game yesterday? Flamengo vs PSG?

2-1 in the final, but with a penalty. It was hard for them to score the penalty. I was surprised a bit, but I think that means that the best Brazilian teams can compete well. PSG, without a doubt, has been the best team in Europe in the last season. I think that right now, a little less, because they also have some important injured players. But I think this means that Brazilian football is doing well. It's doing well and the best teams in Brazil can compete with the European teams.

And for the next World Cup, 2026, tell me four teams you think can become champions?

Spain, Portugal, France,

I have to say one from South America, it can't be four from Europe. I'll make a surprise and say Morocco. A strong team, you think?

Yes, technically well. They've improved a lot in recent years. Sorry, I'm not saying Brazil, but if Brazil wins, I'm okay's worth it. Are you against the increase in the number of players in the World Cup? I'm sorry, but I'm against it. I think it's good that many nations can participate, but I think we have to take a little more care of the players and the quality of the tournament. Because I'm sure with so many teams participating in the group stage, we're going to see a lot of very clear games, 4-0, 5-0, 5-1. And these are not games that the fans want to see.

Low quality, right?

Sure. Then there is one more game, one more tie. Now we don't even start with eighths, there is another tie before. And what interests me are good quality matches that we want to see, that we enjoy watching. But I don't enjoy a 5-0, a 6-0. I don't enjoy watching a match like that. And, well, it's only a year and a half since I've played, but I know that the players who play Champions League, Cup during the year,

they already have 50-60 games until the World Cup starts. They arrive like this. And then we have another bigger tournament, more games. And then it's my doubt that from the quarter-finals, the players, of course, the head, if you play a World Cup semi-final, the head will work. But I think that the level of the matches, every time we have more teams, more matches, the level will go down.

Do you see Germany as a surprise in the next World Cup?

For good or for bad?

For good.

Because there are surprises for good and bad. I think Germany is always there. If you ask people, for 5, 6, 7 teams that can win the World Cup, they always go to Germany. I don't see them among the first 5 that can win it, but just like Brazil, if they surprise me, perfect. I'm sure they will go through the group and then reach the quarterfinals, maybe the semis. I think there is a difference between Germany and the teams I have said.

But we know how the World Cup works. You have won it, I have won it. In a game, everything can happen. In a game, Germany can beat any team.

Name 3 or 4 players from Germany who can be a highlight in the next World Cup.

Florian Witts from Leverkusen, Musiala, Ryan... I have to choose well, because the Germans will see me. If they don't, they'll pick me. What else do we have? Well, Kimmich in the middle. Oh no, he plays for the right wing in the national team. And...

Well, I'll go with all three. I love you all.

One question, Tony. For us, Brazilians and South Americans, this championship between Paris Saint Germain and Flamengo, we take it very seriously. Do you guys from Europe also have this thought or not?

Yes, because I have done the experience. We have played many World Cup clubs with Madrid. The Champions League winner has always been there. There were many times in the format that we had to play semi the semifinals and finals. We took it very seriously. In Madrid, they put you in the head. If you can win a trophy, you have to go for the trophy.

It's very funny that you ask. I noticed it in the team that it has been important for everyone. For example, for for Brazilians, more. There you have noticed that the Club World Cup was very important for them. For us, well, we Europeans, it was winning the Champions League. Winning the Champions League is the most important thing. And then the Club World Cup was nice to win.

And I have to say this too, because I have to be honest, it has always been much easier to win the Club World Cup than the Champions League. Because there are more top teams in Europe. But in the end it has always been important for us, because in the end a trophy is a trophy.

You have always been a very elegant player. Do you have a former player that you have as a reference?

Like, when I become a football player, I want to play like him. Maybe it will surprise you a little bit, but I had a French player who was my idol. Joan Micou, who played in Germany and France. Also with the French national team. He was a number 10. Very elegant, very... He was a bit of a model when I was young. And of course, everyone, including me, playing in the position without an identity,

he was one of the idols, of course. And these two, of course, it was very nice to have Z Asiso as my coach.

You haven't seen Beckenbauer play, but he's been a great player for you.

Of course, many say he's the best in German history. I haven't seen him play much, but from what people say and what I've seen, I knew him later when he was older. It was a beautiful moment with him, when in the U17 World Cup, I played and he was the best goalkeeper in the tournament. He gave me the trophy after the tournament. That was a special moment with him. But yes, it was a great goal.

Tony, here we have a picture. I'll ask you a question and you answer with a simple answer. Best coach of all time. I'm a coach. I'm a coach. I'm a coach. I'm a coach. I'm a coach. I'm a coach.

I'm a coach. I'm a coach.

I'm a coach. because he understood better than anyone how to manage a big team, which is important. And it's not just about football.

Allianz Arena or Santiago Bernabeu?

Bernabeu. The best stadium in the world.

An incredible match?

I'm not going to say the one in Brazil. Not here. I say the 2017 Champions League final, 4-1 against Juve.

A football idol?

Johan Miku

A Brazilian player that you admire a lot?

Well, for me, Ronaldinho has been a spectacle. For me too.

A player that is more difficult to score? N'Golo Kante.

It wasn't because he was very aggressive or ugly, but he ran a lot. He still runs, but I don't play against him anymore. It always looked like there were two Cantellos on the field. You know, he was always there.

Best player you played with?

Well, Cristiano Ronaldo.

If you weren't a player, what would you be?

I don't know. Something with football, for sure. But I don't know. I was lucky that I didn't have to think. When I was 16, I went to Bayern Munich. At 17, I was in the first team. I didn't have to think about what I was going to do.

I was already a footballer.

A dream that you haven't fulfilled yet?

A dream?

The truth is that I have few dreams because everything I've lived seems like a dream to me.

To finish, say something to the Brazilians.

I am not going to apologize for 2014, but I want to thank you once again for this reaction, it has been with a lot of respect. I love the Brazilians, and all the players I have played with. Good luck for the World Cup, which ends in seconds, okay? After Germany. which ends in seconds, okay? After Germany.

Okay, thank you very much.