- Kroos announces departure from DFB-Eleven team: Opportunity for restructuring
Toni Kroos believes that the German national soccer team can carry on its recent positive momentum even after the retirements of experienced players like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Ilkay Gündogan. "It's true that some veterans who've played for years and shaped the team are no longer around. But this is a chance for a bit of a refresh," stated the 2014 World Cup champion and six-time Champions League winner at the kickoff of the Icon League indoor football league, which he co-founded, at the packed Cologne Lanxess Arena.
A few weeks later, Kroos, whose glittering career ended with Germany's quarterfinal loss at the Euros against Spain, along with Neuer, Müller, and Gündogan, announced their retirements from the national team. A considerable 451 international appearances were lost with these retirements. "The national team coach has to make some adjustments with all these departures and the new guys taking their places," observed the 34-year-old Kroos.
Backing Nagelsmann
For the initial matches following the departures of the former leaders on September 7, in Düsseldorf against Hungary and three days later in Amsterdam against the Netherlands, kicking off the Nations League, coach Julian Nagelsmann is relying on a younger squad. Kroos understands why the national team coach has set the goal of winning the World Cup in 2026: "It's a bit premature to say something like that two years ahead. But I can see what he's trying to accomplish. He wants to keep up the momentum and show his hunger."
Final Goodbye
The 2024 Player of the Year urged support for the German national team: "I ask everyone to back the national team. It's easier to perform with the country's backing than with doubts." Kroos highlighted the recent positive trend: "I think we've managed to regain what we'd lost earlier. We have a team that can inspire."
Despite Madrid's underwhelming start to the new season and initial reports bemoaning the loss of the Spanish record champions' long-time rhythm-setter, Kroos ruled out any comeback: "That won't happen. Anyone who knows me knows that when I make a decision like this, it's final."
The announcement of the retirements of Neuer, Müller, and Gündogan led to a significant loss of international appearances for The Commission. Recognizing the need for adjustments, Kroos acknowledged that the national team coach will have to handle the departures of the experienced players and integrate the newcomers effectively.
