Toni Kroos Delivers Ominous Champions League Threat: "Barcelona Remains Vulnerable to Any Opponent"
Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos offered frank commentary on the current situation of former arch-rivals Barcelona, cautioning the Catalan club that they face an extended Champions League trophy drought unless significant adjustments are implemented.
The retired Germany midfielder possesses extensive knowledge about European success, being among just five players in football history to claim six Champions League crowns, an unmatched record.
While now retired and pursuing different projects, Kroos occasionally appears on his brother Felix Kroos's podcast. In a recent episode, he was prompted to share his perspective on Barcelona following Hansi Flick's team suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time in 2025, delivering a foreboding message to the Catalans.
"They [Barcelona] expose themselves to such significant risks that on any off day from Pedri, [Lamine] Yamal or Raphinha, any opponent can exploit them," Kroos stated on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast. "And they can knock them out of the Champions League.
"This scenario already unfolded against Inter last season, and this campaign, whether in the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals or final, they will encounter such an adversary.
"Particularly beyond the 75th minute, you can observe all of them [Barcelona players] showing greater fatigue, yet they fail to adapt to a different approach that tightens defensive gaps. When you're exhausted and refuse to modify your tactics, your vulnerability becomes glaringly obvious."
Kroos Considers Barcelona Capable of Securing La Liga Success
Barcelona have allowed three goals during their previous two matches after the 75th minute mark. Flick himself referenced exhaustion as a contributing factor to his team's late collapse against Paris Saint-Germain.
While Kroos maintains a pessimistic view of Barcelona's 2025–26 European prospects, he also acknowledged his appreciation for their style and believes they possess the talent to defend their La Liga title.
"Barcelona display one of the most captivating playing philosophies in Europe... the most captivating playing philosophy in Europe," Kroos commented. "I don't believe this [their Champions League struggles] will manifest in La Liga due to their overwhelming superiority."
Throughout Kroos's ten-year stint with Real Madrid, the Catalans secured La Liga five times compared to Real Madrid's four triumphs. Nevertheless, the German claimed the Champions League five times during his period with Los Blancos, while Barcelona achieved only one victory.
Very few individuals globally comprehend the requirements for Champions League success better than Kroos. Even though it originates from a former Real Madrid icon, Barcelona and Flick would be prudent to interpret his comments not as a threat, but as guidance.