Toni Kroos Warns Barcelona's Risky Play Threatens Champions League Hopes

Toni Kroos, former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder, praised Barcelona's playing style as one of the most attractive in Europe but warned that their high-risk approach makes them vulnerable, especially in the Champions League. Kroos highlighted that if key players like Pedri, Lamine Yamal, or Raphinha have an off day, any team could exploit Barcelona's tactical risks to eliminate them, as seen in last season's defeat to Inter. He also pointed out that Barcelona's tactics do not adapt late in games when fatigue sets in, leaving them exposed defensively. Recent losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla have intensified criticism of head coach Hansi Flick's style, complicated by a thin squad and injuries limiting tactical flexibility. Kroos expressed skepticism about Barcelona's current tactics being sufficient to win the Champions League, despite their dominance in La Liga. Overall, Kroos's insights emphasize the tension between Barcelona's attractive but risky style and the pragmatic demands of success in Europe's elite competitions.