Toni Kroos has sparked intriguing debate in the football world, comparing the disciplinary approaches of Barcelona under Hansi Flick and the culture at Real Madrid. The former Germany international, who called time on his professional career almost a year ago, spent a decade at Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Flick took over the managerial reins at Barcelona last summer, and took the club to unexpected highs, winning a domestic treble. Real Madrid, on the other hand, finished the campaign trophyless and, much to their chagrin, lost two cup finals to their archrivals.
While Flick and Kroos could be rivals in their allegiances on the club side, the pair worked together in the German national team. Thus, the former Los Blancos midfielder has a fair idea of the coaching philosophy of the Barcelona boss.
Speaking on a podcast with his brother Felix, Kroos juxtaposed Flick’s discipline at Barcelona with Real Madrid’s modus operandi, especially around punctuality.
He said (via Madrid Universal):
However, Kroos avoided saying one approach was better than the other, and opined that both philosophies had their place.
Toni Kroos was spot-on with his claim about how Hansi Flick has instilled discipline at Barcelona. In February, the German tactician punished defender Jules Kounde by benching him after he showed up late for one of the team’s meetings. In September, reports also emerged that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was punished with a ‘tunnel of slaps’ after flouting a disciplinary rule set by Flick.
During a Spanish chat show last year, Barcelona midfielder Pedri opened up about the strict disciplinary measures Flick enforced at the club, saying it replaced Xavi’s fine system. He said (via 90min):
He concluded by saying Flick’s penchant for punctuality stemmed from his nationality.
An ardent Chelsea fan, Ezekiel’s journey as a football fan began in his childhood, witnessing Ronaldinho dazzle with his skills. His interest in the beautiful game deepened after Nigeria were knocked out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he was impressed with the Super Eagles’ fighting spirit in their 2-2 Group B draw against South Korea. Some other World Cup matches which have left a deep impact on him were Belgium’s incredible comeback against Japan in the round of 16 of the 2018 version and the 2022 final.
Lionel Messi is the one true GOAT for Ezekiel and he also follows the Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League owing to him and Cristiano Ronaldo. When not writing, he spends his free time deepening his SEO knowledge and watching skits.
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