"A lot of football is lost there" - Former Real Madrid coach believes club will face issues after veteran star's departure
Former Real Madrid player and coach Bernd Schuster has revealed that the club could be in trouble following Toni Kroos' retirement. The German midfielder was an integral part of the Los Blancos set-up, and finding a replacement for him could prove extremely difficult.
Kroos joined Los Blancos in 2014 and spent 10 years with the storied Spanish club, winning every honor available in club football multiple times. His departure will leave a massive hole in their midfield that will need to be filled by a player of similar quality, Schuster fears that player might not be available.
In a recent interview with Marca, the former manager discussed what the future would hold for his former side following his compatriot's departure. He hailed the incoming addition of Kylian Mbappe but pondered the midfield that would be behind the ferocious Madrid attack.
He said:
“Mbappe is coming, but you lose Kroos. People forget that they are going to be a problem for Madrid, The Mbappe thing is a very positive point. With Vinicius and Rodrygo they are very classy players. But in the midfield, I have my doubts. Kroos’ organisation was very important. for this team and now a lot of football is lost there.”
Schuster concluded by pointing out that Madrid's eternal rivals also had a similar problem, saying:
“It already happened to me when Sergio Busquets left Barça. I saw only one person, Rodri, who is capable of filling a position. There is no one like him."
Real Madrid will be confident of finding a way to replace the departing Kroos when and if they have to. The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners are not lacking quality options that could step up in the midfield at the moment. Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelian Tchomeni, and Fede Valverde are all top-quality options in that position who could step up
Former Real Madrid coach questions Joshua Kimmich's ability to replace Toni Kroos
Former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster revealed he has doubts over Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich's ability to replace Toni Kroos positionally. The German midfielder is a versatile player who can deputized across various positions, however, Schuster believes his best position is at Right back.
Speaking in an Interview with MARCA, the former Madrid player and coach cast doubts on his compatriots' ability to organize a team like Kroos does, saying:
“I think they were wrong to put him in that position. He is a right-back. I have never in my life seen a full-back becoming an organiser. It looks like anyone can play in that position and it’s not like that. It’s taken a couple of years to realise it’s not his thing.”
Real Madrid are tipped to make a move for Kimmich this window, alongside their eternal rivals Barcelona. It remains to be seen if they will bring in the Bayern Munich man from Bavaria and which position they play him in if they do.