Toni Kroos points out what Real Madrid need to return to the top – ‘The most important thing…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid did not close their 2024-25 campaign in the manner that they hoped as they fell in the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup to PSG in humiliating fashion.

The game was only the latest on a long list of failures for Los Blancos over the past year where they lost four times to Barcelona, lost to AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League and even struggled against Atletico Madrid.

Questions are rightly being asked about the team’s performances against elite opposition and the managerial change was the first step towards fixing that. Yet, there appear to be numerous areas where improvement is urgently required.

Toni Kroos’ opinion

Speaking to the media in a recent interview (h/t RM4Arab), Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos was asked what the team lacked to get back to the top and dominate football once more as they have done over the years.

“To return to the top, the most important thing in my opinion is focus, discipline, and how this new system works and is applied,” he said.

“From there, you can determine which player you need, based on the style of play you want to adopt,” he added on the next step.

Providing some much-needed advice to the young team, he elaborated on the need to defend as a unit and stick together when off the ball.

“It’s very important for the team to feel like they’re defending as one unit. This gives you more energy when regaining the ball.”

“But if that’s not the case, you’ll spend the whole time chasing the opponent, or you’ll feel unable to press because they’re always outplaying you, and you can’t drop back to defend because you’re not used to it,” he added.

COLOGNE, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 01: Toni Kroos, German former football player, looks on during the first matchday of the Icon League at Lanxess Arena on September 01, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. The Icon League, was founded in November last year. The aim of the small-sided indoor soccer league is to maximise the highlights of the game and create an innovative football spectacle. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Kroos then elaborated that it was that very facet of the game that the team lacked last season and why they were subpar.

“That was the biggest issue we faced last season, and that’s also why our performance with the ball seemed so poor.”

The club legend then laid his faith in Xabi Alonso and backed the manager to turn the situation around and ensure the team defends well again.

“I trust in Xabi, that he will convey a clear idea. Everything revolves around control. And if they defend better, they will succeed on the other side as well.”

Finally, Kroos was asked to comment on young Arda Guler and whether he was ready to take up a larger responsibility in midfield for Los Blancos.

“He adds a distinctive footballing touch to the game. Last season, he was technically ready, but now he has also developed physically.”

Elaborating on what made Guler special and a massive talent for the club, he said,

“If you have a player like this, capable of playing as a number 10 between the lines, I support overlooking his loss of some individual duels.”

“The important thing is that his role is clear and that he contributes to the defensive effort,” he added.