Former Actual Madrid star Toni Kroos takes intention at Barcelona and claims they are not ok defensively to win the Champions League

Former Actual Madrid star Toni Kroos takes intention at Barcelona and claims they are not ok defensively to win the Champions League

November 12, 2026


Former Actual Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos says Barcelona usually are not sturdy sufficient defensively to win the Champions League.

Barca have gained three of their 4 European video games this season with the one defeat coming in a 4-2 reverse at two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on October 20.

Additionally they high La Liga having gained 11 of their first 12 fixtures, amassing 48 objectives and conceding simply 13. They’re three factors away from Madrid, though Jose Mourinho’s aspect did win the season’s first Clasico at Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick has needed to combine and match at centre-half this season with the likes of Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia all taking their flip alongside Pau Cubarsi.

Kroos believes that may be a basic drawback for Barca that will probably be uncovered by the higher sides as they appear to win the Champions League for the primary time since 2015.

The ex-Germany worldwide stated: “Barça at all times tries to generate extra possibilities than its opponents, however within the Champions League you discover groups able to scoring a number of objectives in the identical sport.

“You additionally face rivals who defend exceptionally nicely and don’t allow you to play as you normally do. In these conditions you must know find out how to defend your self.”

Football manager Hansi Flick looking to his right as a head coach in a technical area

Bayern Munich have higher defensive choices than Barcelona – Kroos

Kroos highlighted one other of his former golf equipment, Bayern Munich, as a greater wager to land European soccer’s greatest prize because of the tempo and athleticism of their again 4.

He added: ”Barcelona don’t have somebody like [Bayern’s Dayot] Upamecano, a defender that you may depart fully alone in a one-on-one, with 30 metres of area behind, and have the peace of thoughts that he’ll clear up the scenario.

“With gamers like Upamecano or [Alphonso] Davies I wouldn’t fear about defending these 30 metres. However with [Joao] Cancelo, Gerard Martín and related gamers, it’s rather more sophisticated.”

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez challenge for the ballBarcelona defender Pau Cubarsi and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez challenge for the ball

Cubarsi is Barcelona’s greatest defender

Kroos, who gained the Champions League 5 instances with Madrid and as soon as with Bayern, did reserve phrases of reward for Cubarsi, who at 19 years of age, is arguably one of the best younger defender in world soccer.

“He’s by far their greatest defender,” he stated. “He has the power to win particular person duels and the pace to face sophisticated conditions. However after I have a look at the opposite defenders, I don’t see anybody I’d belief.”

Barca return to La Liga motion every week on Sunday when Villarreal go to Camp Nou. Their subsequent Champions League sport is on November 25 once they go to Azerbaijani minnows Sabah.

Steven is a passionate sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing insights, stories, and analysis from the world of football and beyond. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the game, he brings readers closer to the action while keeping them informed and entertained.