In a revealing and powerful statement, Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos has lifted the lid on the root causes of the club’s recent decline. Known for his tactical intelligence and on-field discipline, the German maestro didn’t hold back as he dissected the issues that plagued Madrid last season and offered a clear vision for what needs to change moving forward — especially under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Kroos, who retired at the end of the 2024/25 season, rarely speaks publicly with such intensity. But this time, he made his thoughts unmistakably clear. For him, Real Madrid’s problems go far beyond individual performances or star power — it’s about the system, the structure, and the philosophy behind the football.
“To return to the top,” Kroos began, “what matters most in my opinion is the approach — a system, and how that system is implemented and functions.” His words weren’t just commentary; they were a direct critique of the tactical disarray that defined the previous season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Kroos explained that it all begins with clarity of purpose. Without a solid and well-drilled system, no amount of talent can cover for the lack of cohesion on the pitch. “Only after putting a system in place can you truly evaluate which players are missing, based on the kind of football you want to play,” he added.
This insight sheds light on why Real Madrid often looked disconnected last season. Despite having world-class players, the team struggled to assert itself, especially in the defensive and transitional phases of the game.
The former midfield general placed heavy emphasis on collective defensive shape. “It helps the entire team when we defend as a unit. We have more energy when we win the ball back together,” Kroos said. The lack of coordination in pressing and recovery left Madrid vulnerable time and again.
He warned of the energy drain caused by disorganization: “Otherwise, you’re constantly running for no reason. You feel like you can’t press because you’re always being bypassed, and at the same time, you can’t drop back either because that’s not what you’re used to.” This tactical confusion, he insists, was the core reason for their defensive and offensive collapse.
Kroos pointed to how this disarray bled into their possession game. “That’s when they suffered the most last season,” he noted. “And it’s also why their play with the ball looked so poor. When you’re disorganized without the ball, your game with the ball is bound to suffer.”
Despite this harsh analysis, Kroos offered a beacon of hope in Xabi Alonso. He didn’t mince words when expressing his trust in the incoming manager. “That’s where I trust Xabi,” he said. “I believe he’s going to bring a clear idea.”
For Kroos, Alonso represents a much-needed shift in tactical identity. “Everything revolves around domination,” he said. “If they defend better, they’ll succeed offensively too.” It’s a powerful, straightforward message from a man who understands the game better than most.
The belief is that Alonso, having demonstrated sharp tactical acumen at Bayer Leverkusen, is the right man to bring clarity and discipline to a squad brimming with talent but lacking structure. His systems are based on positioning, compactness, and purpose — elements Madrid were missing last season.
Kroos’ statement was not just a commentary on the past but a bold prediction for the future. Under Alonso, he believes Madrid will evolve into a more modern, tactically consistent team, shedding its recent habit of relying on individual brilliance to mask collective shortcomings.
Interestingly, his words also function as a wake-up call for the dressing room. Without saying names, Kroos is effectively putting everyone on notice: under Alonso, there will be no room for laziness, tactical indiscipline, or egos.
Many fans and journalists have applauded Kroos for his honesty, calling it a necessary moment of reflection for a club that has spent years papering over cracks with short-term solutions. For once, a legend has said what many were thinking — Real Madrid’s problems are deeper than just missing a few chances or conceding a few goals.
His message is also a gift to the fans. After years of watching chaotic performances, it’s a relief to hear someone of Kroos’ stature speak with such clarity. It signals that change is not only necessary but possible — and that it starts with fundamentals.
As preseason gets underway and Xabi Alonso takes charge, the words of Toni Kroos will echo loudly in Valdebebas. His message is simple: dominate through structure. Succeed through unity. Win as a team, or don’t win at all.
For Real Madrid, this might be the end of an era — but it could also be the beginning of something greater.