Kroos names his all-time best player and coach, with a playful nudge to Alonso
28 December 2025
Kroos Reflects on Real Madrid Years
Legend of Real Madrid, Toni Kroos, looked back on his Real Madrid career and weighed in on Xabi Alonso's challenge as coach this season.
In an interview with Romário, cited by AS, Kroos said the biggest club he played for was Real Madrid. Ten years there were the most successful, the time he felt most comfortable, with huge trophies and a family-like atmosphere—the best years of his football life.
Alonso, Coaching Madrid, and Endrick's Future
"Xabi Alonso? The hardest thing about coaching Real Madrid is that it's not easy," he said. "Even if you win games, not everyone is happy, and there are only a few teams like this. If you draw or lose, you're criticized quickly."
He added: "The coach has little time; you can't think about your playing style after a year or two, you need immediate results. I am convinced Xabi is a very good coach with the quality to lead Real Madrid. He already knows what Real Madrid means, and he knew this might happen. Give him time and calm, but it's hard at Madrid."
He continued: "For Endrick, it's crucial to play; if he doesn't get chances at Real Madrid, the best path is another club on loan to get minutes. I thought the same when I was 18. I was at Bayern and chose Leverkusen. The same could happen with Endrick."
Final Reflections and Dream Moments
"Ancelotti could have left a year earlier, but he stayed. When I saw him in the summer, I wished him good luck. I knew he had a strong desire to coach Brazil, and I hope he succeeds. They have players like Vinínius who now have more experience."
"In Madrid they plant in your mind the need to win all trophies. I felt within the squad that the Club World Cup is very important, especially for Brazilian players. For Europeans, the biggest prize is the Champions League. Winning the Club World Cup is easier than winning the Champions League."
He closed: "Ancelotti is the best coach I worked with because he understood better than anyone how to manage a big squad, not just football; the Bernabéu is the best stadium in the world; the Champions League final against Juventus is the best game I played; Cristiano Ronaldo is the best teammate I played with... and all I lived felt like a dream."
Punchline 1: If patience were a tactic, Real Madrid would hire a snail as manager—and Kroos would still score while waiting.
Punchline 2: At Real Madrid, even the trophy cabinet has a waiting list; hey, good things come to those who wait (and wait, and wait).
