Toni Kroos has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and his latest remarks about Barcelona prove that once again.
The Real Madrid legend believes Hansi Flick’s side might be dazzling to watch, but their high-risk football could come back to bite them in Europe.
Speaking on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, Kroos praised Barca’s attacking flair but didn’t shy away from pointing out a key flaw that could cost them in the Champions League.
He suggested that while Barcelona’s young stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha make them “the most attractive team in Europe,” the Catalans’ approach leaves them dangerously exposed.
“Barca have one of the most attractive styles, if not the most attractive, in all of Europe,” said Kroos.
“But I think they take too many risks. On a bad day from Pedri, Lamine [Yamal], or Raphinha, any team can hurt them and still win. They can eliminate them from the Champions League.”
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The German legend, who knows a thing or two about European glory, didn’t stop there. He argued that Barca’s style, though beautiful, becomes a burden when fatigue kicks in.
Toni Kroos talks on Barcelona's hidden weakness
Kroos pointed to a specific weakness that could spell trouble for Flick’s side — their lack of flexibility in the final stages of matches.
“From the 75th minute onwards, you notice that everyone is more tired and you see that they don’t switch to a different style of closing down spaces,” he said.
“If you’re tired and don’t change your style of play, it becomes very evident how exposed you are.”
Barcelona’s recent defeats — a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and a 4-1 hammering by Sevilla — have only reinforced Kroos’s concerns.
Despite dominating possession, their defensive line often looks like a high-wire act waiting for a gust of wind.
Still, Kroos doesn’t see these issues haunting them in La Liga, where Barca’s control usually suffocates opponents. But in the Champions League, he believes “one bad night” could undo months of brilliance.
As Barca prepare for a defining few weeks — including clashes with Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid — Flick’s ability to adapt could decide whether they sparkle or stumble.
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