The national sports team - King in flip-flops: Euro Championship victory "nearly too clichéd" for Kroos
The ruler turned up fashionably late, sporting swimwear. The notion of bringing down the curtains on an outstanding career following the Champions League triumph and the missing European Championship triumph on July 14th at Berlin's Olympic Stadium appeared somewhat "overly dramatic" to Toni Kroos himself. Nevertheless, he wouldn't object to being dubbed as such. "I'd go along with it," stated the 34-year-old after an arduous training session in Herzogenaurach.
Shortly after approximately 30 minutes of interaction in the national team's lodgings, it was evident: Kroos revelled in his second act. He exuded an air of unwavering self-confidence having won. This was the reason behind Julian Nagelsmann's decision to call him out of retirement for the home competition. Consequently, he has remained a fixed presence for the national coach on the opening day of the tournament on Friday (9 p.m./ZDF and Magenta TV) against Scotland in Munich.
"I'm certainly eager. The motivation to return coincided with this choice because I thrive on success. If I didn't possess the desire or imagination, I wouldn't have acted," Kroos disclosed. This was the air of success from Real Madrid, this unshakable self-confidence that only knows win after triumph. Akin to how he is back home.
His three children Leon, Amelie, and Fin will witness the match against Scotland, with not the slightest expectation from them. "They haven't ventured into discussing tactics yet, they don't really care. However, they anticipate a win. They've been quite spoiled, which entails having heard little from the national team in recent years," joked Kroos.
His teammates could count on him like youngsters throughout the tournament. This air of infallibility earned Kroos on the field. It could dissipate if it didn't work out with the DFB team. "If there's a predicament, I'll be there. If there's hesitation about the ball, hand it over to me. It's all fine," Kroos described his role and his ability. He's the one who stays calm in German football. The faultless Toni.
Then there are no more issues, are there? "The clash against Scotland won't determine the outcome yet, but it will be pivotal. We need to be on point," demanded the 2014 World Cup winner. It's not going to be a smooth ride, cautioned Kroos. Doubts and low spirits during the 2018 World Cup and the previous EURO 2021 were experiences that were deeply felt by him. Since then, he keenly watched the continuation of these at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar post his premature retirement.
Eliminating the counterattack threat is top of mind for him. "I don't see us starting off aggressively, I don't view it that way. However, I'm confident of our potential," expressed Kroos.
Nervousness is exclusive to his private realm. "That's unrelated to football," he remarked. Nagelsmann lately recounted in Blankenhain that Kroos had also adjusted as a communicator. He spends less time with his colleagues after sundown at the table. Kroos became a more open and attentive character. This seemed like an image makeover at a higher age in football.
Being a loner is no longer blemish, given his accomplishments. Dealing with the extraordinary pressure of a home tournament competently was paramount, he insisted. "A home tournament is still unique. We have a tremendous responsibility regarding the national mood for the coming weeks. With this in mind, we ought to attempt to revel in this experience," said the 34-year-old.
Kroos will be bowing out of the professional game after the tournament, that much is decided. There could possibly be room for up to seven additional matches if the German side makes it to the final. For this target, Kroos sacrificed major Real celebrations after his sixth league victory. These emotions were "put on ice." They should come alive and be revived with new thrilling experiences after the EM, he expressed, sounding like a soap opera.
Read also:
- Toni Kroos, a key player for Real Madrid, will be a vital presence for Germany in the upcoming Champions League.
- After his retirement from the national soccer team, DFB coach Julian Nagelsmann convinced Kroos to join the EM squad, drawing on his success in Bavaria, Munich.
- Kroos' children, Leon, Amelie, and Fin, will be in Berlin's Olympic Stadium to witness their father's match against Scotland during the EM tournament.
- The Champions League triumph and the missing European Championship victory brought a sense of "overly dramatic" closure to Kroos' career, but he would not object to being seen as having retired in these circumstances.
- Kroos' teammates can rely on him on the field, which has contributed to his unshakable self-confidence and his role as a steady presence in German football.
- The upcoming match against Scotland will be pivotal for Germany's chances in the EM tournament, according to Kroos, who cautions that it won't be a straightforward victory.
- Eliminating the counterattack threat is a key concern for Kroos, who believes in Germany's strong potential to succeed even if they don't start aggressively.
- Kroos is no longer seen as a loner in football due to his impressive accomplishments and his ability to overcome the extraordinary pressure of home tournaments.
- After the EM tournament, Kroos has announced his retirement from professional soccer, and he is sacrificing Real Madrid celebrations to focus on the team's success in the competition.
