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Kroos Warns Barca: Style Change Needed for UCL Glory
17 Apr
Summary
- Toni Kroos believes Barcelona's high defensive line is too exposed.
- He cited their Champions League exits against Inter and Atletico Madrid.
- Kroos noted their last UCL title was in 2015, suggesting tactical risks.
Toni Kroos, a celebrated Real Madrid figure, has asserted that Barcelona must fundamentally change their approach to football if they aspire to win the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona's recent campaign ended in the quarter-finals, succumbing to Atletico Madrid with a 4-3 aggregate defeat. Kroos pinpointed Barcelona's aggressive high defensive line as a significant vulnerability, explaining that it consistently leaves their backline exposed.
This tactical flaw, he argued, leads to situations where players resort to fouls that result in red cards when attempting to prevent one-on-one goal-scoring opportunities. Kroos recalled similar issues arising in their previous Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.
He emphasized that this recurring problem, if not addressed, would prevent Barcelona from achieving Champions League success. Kroos previously commented in October 2025 on Barcelona's attractive style, but cautioned that their penchant for taking 'too many risks' diminished their European prospects.
Despite consistent domestic achievements, Barcelona has not claimed the Champions League title since 2015. Their furthest progress in the competition since then was reaching the semi-finals during the 2024/25 season before being eliminated by Inter Milan.
