Toni Kroos on Lopetegui’s tactics: The German midfielder drops hint over frustration on the Spanish manager’s tactics at Real Madrid.
The defending champions of Europe have struggled ever since the beginning of the new season. Real Madrid is yet to seemingly recover from the departure of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. The injury crisis has further worsened the situation for Julen Lopetegui.
Real Madrid is currently on a four-match goalless run across all competitions this season. The club lost their first match in the Champions League in 30 games against CSKA Moscow last week. Later, in the La Liga, they conceded the only goal of the match in injury time against Deportivo Alaves.
The speculation over Julen Lopetegui’s future at the club has begun, and Florentino Perez has been urged to make some signings by the Real Madrid fans. The club oversaw the departure of Danilo, Morata, Ronaldo, and Kovacic in the last two years. In return, Real Madrid’s only significant signings were Courtois, Mariano, and Odriozola.
The club’s midfielder, Toni Kroos, has now spoken on Lopetegui’s tactics at Real Madrid, and it isn’t too positive for the fans either.
Toni Kroos on Lopetegui’s tactics:
The German has had a deeper role in the midfield under Lopetegui at Real Madrid. Kroos had seemingly stated that he is not enjoying the role, and that he is not being utilised at his best.
Two weeks of disappointing results, games and also bad luck. We deserved more points because we didn‘t play that bad -but it is what it is. Don’t forget we also had these moments in the past three years…
Will be a great challenge to stand up again! Hala Madrid! pic.twitter.com/KtkpmfKv2M— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) October 8, 2018
Under Zinedine Zidane, Toni Kroos used to push further for the attack, with Casemiro being the defensive midfielder.
Michael Ballack: “I was surprised that Jogi Löw kept his job. Sometimes, you should just admit that things are not working anymore” [DW]
Toni Kroos: “Löw absolutely deserves to continue with us. He proved that he can change. Maybe Ballack just wanted to take the job..” pic.twitter.com/xwDcKAgn8E
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 11, 2018
In a press conference during the international break with Germany, Toni Kroos made his ‘frustration’ with Lopetegui known.
“It’s a challenge to reverse this situation. We’ve shown we can do it. We’ve always had phases like these. It doesn’t worry me,” said Kroos.
“I like playing deeper, but I’m not Casemiro,” he added.
🗣 Toni Kroos on not scoring for over 500 minutes: “It’s a challenge to reverse this situation. We’ve shown that we can do it, there have always been phases like that. It doesn’t worry me.” pic.twitter.com/SZglYCapo7
— RMOnly (@ReaIMadridOnly) October 12, 2018
What next?
Real Madrid will return to La Liga action this weekend with the game against Levante, where they will aim to end their goalless run. They will then host Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on October 24, and take on arch-rivals Barcelona in the league three days later, who are currently second in the league.
