Retired Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has expressed skepticism regarding Barcelona’s potential to win the Champions League this season, pointing to the inherent dangers in the ultra-offensive tactical approach employed by manager Hansi Flick.
Speaking on his podcast, Just take a look, Kroos explained that while Barcelona consistently aims to generate more scoring opportunities than their opponents, the realities of the Champions League require a more balanced defensive approach.
The former Real Madrid and German national team midfielder, who retired in 2024 after winning the title with the Spanish club, said that he has previously voiced similar concerns, specifically citing Barcelona’s elimination by Inter Milan in the 2025 semifinals as evidence of the squad’s recurring tactical shortcomings.
“Barça always tries to create more chances than their rivals, but in the Champions League, you face teams that can score several goals in a single match,” said Toni Kroos.
Kroos further said that elite teams in the competition are capable of defending at an exceptional level, which forces opponents to adapt their game plan. He argued that Barcelona’s failure to adjust their tactical structure, particularly late in matches, continues to hinder them.
He cautioned that regardless of the stage of the tournament, the team will eventually encounter a disciplined opponent capable of exploiting their inability to close down space as fatigue sets in.
🚨🚨 Toni Kroos on Barcelona’s chances of winning the Champions League: “With their current style of play, I find it VERY difficult to see Barcelona winning the Champions League.” “Barcelona always try to create more chances than their opponents, but in the Champions League,… pic.twitter.com/MZl6kC7FOX”
“You also face opponents who defend exceptionally well and don’t let you play your usual game. And in those situations, you have to know how to defend,” Kroos said.
“From the 75th minute onwards you notice that everyone is more tired and they don’t switch to another style of closing spaces,” said Kroos.
Despite his doubts about the team’s collective prospects, Kroos offered praise for the individual performance of Lamine Yamal. He described the young forward’s contribution as exceptional, noting that Yamal often acts as the primary creative force for the squad, frequently generating scoring chances through his own individual brilliance and ability to beat opponents.
“Lamine Yamal’s first 25 minutes were absolutely exceptional. Every dangerous Barcelona attack seemed to originate from him,” said Kroos.
“He was creating those advantages himself, outplaying opponents and generating chances through his own individual brilliance. You could almost imagine him saying to his teammates, ‘Just pass me the ball. We’re going to turn this game around,’” Kroos said.
Concluding his assessment, Kroos reiterated that despite the brilliance of individual players like Yamal, the team’s structural risks make a Champions League title unlikely.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Toni Kroos on Barcelona’s style: “With this style of play, it’s VERY difficult for Barcelona to win the Champions League.” “Barcelona’s approach is always based on creating more chances than their opponents.” “But in the Champions League, that becomes MUCH… pic.twitter.com/q60eyFkLo1”
“With their current style of play, I find it very difficult to see Barça winning the Champions League,” said Kroos.
