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Kroos analyzes El Clásico: “I have to praise Mourinho”

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Toni Kroos praised José Mourinho for Real Madrid's 1-2 win over Barcelona in El Clásico, citing a change in the team's performance after recent losses. Kroos noted that Madrid had conceded an average of four goals in the last six or seven meetings.

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Toni Kroos praised José Mourinho for Real Madrid's 1-2 win over Barcelona in El Clásico, citing a change in the team's performance after recent losses. Kroos noted that Madrid had conceded an average of four goals in the last six or seven meetings. Mourinho's setup was credited with the team's exceptional play, particularly in playing out from the back against Barcelona's press.

Kroos highlighted Madrid's bold approach as crucial, with the team being courageous at Camp Nou and the forwards stepping up. They defended well, particularly after Barcelona equalized, and played well for 65 minutes. This approach was a significant difference from recent Clásicos.

Kroos also commended Mourinho's tactical decision to use Huijsen to man-mark Fermín, which made Barcelona players like Pedri and Raphinha uncomfortable and led to mistakes. Madrid won almost every duel due to their intensity and defended as a unit, putting in an excellent defensive and overall performance.

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Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos discussed the club’s impressive 1-2 win over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico and he was quick to praise coach José Mourinho. “Over the past two years, the Clásicos had been going Barça’s way. Unfortunately, that was the case in the last six or seven meetings, and that’s what we expected before the match, given that Madrid had conceded an average of four goals in those games. But things have changed, and I have to praise Mourinho’s work. They played exceptionally well, and he set them up brilliantly. Playing out from the back against this Barça side deserves real credit because they struggle when they don’t have possession,” he said.

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