Kroos Takes a Shot at Barca’s Backline After El Clasico: Speed Wins the Day
29 October 2025
What Toni Kroos questions about Barca's defensive setup
In the wake of the Clasico that Real Madrid won 2-1, Toni Kroos, Real Madrid's icon, criticized Barcelona coach Hansi Flick's defensive calls, arguing they left the Blaugrana exposed to the pace of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
According to AS, Kroos spoke on his podcast about the encounter, expressing surprise at the defensive pairing of Erik Garcia with Pau Kobarci, while the Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo was absent from the starting lineup.
“In central defense I don't understand starting Garcia, who might be technically better than Araújo, but the latter brings the physicality to chase opponents, especially with a high line,” Kroos said.
He clarified that Araújo's absence was a clear weakness against the speed of Madrid's attackers. “When you face players like Mbappé and Viníus, you need someone who can match their speed. Araújo can do that. I was very surprised by his absence.”
Kroos noted that Barcelona spent much of the match struggling to contain Madrid's forwards, exposing what he says was a fragile defensive line under Flick's setup.
He argued that the defensive choices directly affected Barcelona's performance, entangling them from the early minutes and giving Madrid the upper hand in one of the season's most exciting Clasicos.
But Kroos also acknowledged Barcelona's tough circumstances, saying the club arrived with a significant shortage, missing goalkeeper and several key players such as Rafinha, Dani Olmo, and Lewandowski.
On Flick's absence due to suspension and Marcus Sorg stepping in, Kroos claimed tactical errors cost Barca control, and Real Madrid deserved the win.
In a career overview, Kroos's trajectory stands as one of the most stable and successful in modern football, blending talent with discipline and tactical intelligence to become a cornerstone for both club and country.
Born January 4, 1990 in Greifswald, Germany, Kroos emerged through the youth ranks and made his first-team debut for Bayern Munich in 2007, later moving to Real Madrid in 2014 for about €25 million. He formed one of the sport's most celebrated midfields alongside Modrić and Casemiro, winning multiple Bundesliga titles, five Champions Leagues, and international glory with Germany in 2014. He retired from international football in 2024 and concluded his Real Madrid spell in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy of calm, precise passing and relentless professionalism.
Kroos is remembered for his calm presence and surgical passing style, a blend that redefined how the modern midfielder operates and how teams structure pressure and build-up play.
Punchline time, because even legends need a little aim: 1) Barça's backline was so porous, even a cheese sieve would call for backups after the first goal leak. 2) Kroos moves the ball like a sniper — no drama, just precise lines and a calm that makes the crowd forget the goal line was even a thing.
