Toni Kroos was not overly impressed by Real Madrid in their disappointing 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat against Manchester City on Dec. 10. The match was billed by many as a must-win for an under-fire Xabi Alonso, but despite his team taking the lead at home, they had nothing to show for their efforts at full-time.
So, what is the one thing that seemingly irked Kroos after he saw his former team beaten by the English giants?
Toni Kroos Unhappy With Real Madrid Not Being Able To Break Manchester City’s Defense Down
Kroos, who made 465 appearances for Madrid in a trophy-laden spell in Spain before retiring last year, believes the home side should have beaten City as they were the better side. Alonso’s men had more shots (16-12), more possession (52%), and missed more big chances on the night (3-2).
Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Nico O’Reilly levelled matters seven minutes later. Erling Haaland completed the comeback when he converted a penalty (43′) conceded by Antonio Rudiger to send City 2-1 up into the break.
“Manchester City did not deserve to win. Real Madrid were actually the more dangerous team. After City scored the 2nd goal, they switched to a very deep block. This showed a visible problem for Madrid: they are incredibly good in transition, but are not incredibly good at breaking down low blocks,” said Kroos on his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen” (via @MadridXtra on X)
Madrid expectedly kept more of the ball in the second half (60%), but were wasteful with several good chances, particularly when Endrick struck the post with a header, and Vinicius Jr. skied a volley from close range with the goal gaping in front of him.
Xabi Alonso Worried More About Real Madrid Than His Own Future at Club
Alonso said he isn’t focused on what the future holds for him at the club – rather, he reiterated that his concerns are fixated on Madrid’s next game. Los Blancos are currently 7th in the Champions League table with 12 points from six matches.
“I’m concerned about the next game [when asked if he is concerned about his future]. Here the important thing is Real Madrid, the players, and how we can help. It’s not about me”, Alonso said on Movistar after the game (via The New York Times)
Madrid, now with just two wins in their last eight matches across competitions, take on Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga on Dec. 14 away from home. Alonso’s men sit second in the table, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points after 16 matches.
As of now, Alonso’s position at the Santiago Bernabeu is reportedly not under immediate threat. But given the club’s stature, one can imagine that the Spaniard can’t afford to go winless for too long and mend the rot sooner rather than later.
