Toni Kroos's retirement shocked the football world, but his choice of best coach is even more surprising! It's been a year and a half since Toni Kroos, at the age of 34, hung up his boots, a decision that still resonates with fans. Initially, many anticipated his retirement would be from international football after the Euros, but Kroos surprised everyone by retiring from the sport entirely. This announcement stunned the football community.
Real Madrid had just clinched the La Liga title, with Kroos playing a pivotal role. They were also on their way to their second Champions League final in three seasons, again with Kroos as a key player. This timing, however, wasn't entirely unexpected. Kroos had previously expressed his desire to retire at the peak of his career, rather than decline in performance. He wanted to leave a legacy of excellence.
Furthermore, with an impressive collection of trophies, including five (soon to be six) Champions League titles, a World Cup, and numerous domestic titles, Kroos had little left to achieve. The only missing piece was a European Championship with Germany, where they were defeated by Spain in the quarter-finals.
Kroos played under a constellation of coaching stars during his career. He was mentored by renowned managers such as Louis Van Gaal, Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Zinedine Zidane. However, one manager stands out in Kroos's mind. He recently declared, "Carlo Ancelotti is the best as far as I'm concerned."
Kroos made this statement while selecting his ultimate XI with idman & Biz, choosing Ancelotti as his coach, alongside football legends like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo Nazario. This is a huge compliment, considering the other world-class coaches he has worked with. The pair were together at Real Madrid from 2014-2015, and then again from 2021-2024, totaling four seasons.
During these four seasons, Real Madrid won three Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and the Copa del Rey. It was a remarkably successful period for both the team and Kroos. But here's where it gets controversial: Kroos is known for his tactical awareness and ability to control the game's tempo.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti is often perceived as a coach who favors a more relaxed approach, allowing players the freedom to express themselves and win through individual brilliance. And this is the part most people miss: Some might assume Kroos would prefer a manager like Guardiola, who is sometimes criticized for being overly structured. Perhaps Kroos agrees, as he also said about Ancelotti: "Working with Carlo Ancelotti was a truly wonderful experience. He always gave us the freedom and didn't tell us what we should or shouldn't do, because he trusted our quality and instinct."
What do you think? Do you agree with Kroos's choice? Would a more tactical coach have been a better fit for him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
