TONI KROOS HAS a great working relationship with Zinedine Zidane, stating he has improved the team since taking over as Real Madrid coach.
The former France and Madrid star was promoted from running the Castilla side to leading the first team in January 2016, replacing Rafael Benitez in charge, leading them to success in the Champions League and Club World Cup within his first calendar year.
Kroos has been a key player under Zidane and is joint-second in La Liga’s assist chart with 10 — sitting alongside Neymar and behind only Luis Suarez, while the Germany international has created 63 chances — a figure bettered by just four players in the Spanish top flight.
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And the 27-year-old feels a lot of his effectiveness is down to the coach, who has had a huge influence on the club since his appointment.
“When he arrived about 15 months ago, the situation was not ideal in the club, nor in the team, but he changed everything,” Kroos told UEFA.
Zidane created a very positive environment and defined a completely different direction from the one we had followed.
“I love working with him because we have a very good relationship, we think the same way about the style of play, and he also gives me the feeling of being important.
Since he arrived, the team plays much better than before. So much so that in the same campaign in which he took the reins of the team, we managed to win the Champions League.
“This season we are fighting for the two competitions, all thanks to him.”
Acknowledged as one of the finest players football has ever seen, Kroos says all Madrid players feel they can learn a lot from the icon.
He was one of the best players in football history, and that’s why when he talks, everyone listens to him.
“With his talent and all his experience, he gives us many useful tips on every situation and problem we face, and how to handle complicated situations on the pitch.
“He is always ready to help you and give you advice.”
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'Zidane changed everything and makes me feel important'
TONI KROOS HAS a great working relationship with Zinedine Zidane, stating he has improved the team since taking over as Real Madrid coach.
The former France and Madrid star was promoted from running the Castilla side to leading the first team in January 2016, replacing Rafael Benitez in charge, leading them to success in the Champions League and Club World Cup within his first calendar year.
Kroos has been a key player under Zidane and is joint-second in La Liga’s assist chart with 10 — sitting alongside Neymar and behind only Luis Suarez, while the Germany international has created 63 chances — a figure bettered by just four players in the Spanish top flight.
And the 27-year-old feels a lot of his effectiveness is down to the coach, who has had a huge influence on the club since his appointment.
“When he arrived about 15 months ago, the situation was not ideal in the club, nor in the team, but he changed everything,” Kroos told UEFA.
“I love working with him because we have a very good relationship, we think the same way about the style of play, and he also gives me the feeling of being important.
“This season we are fighting for the two competitions, all thanks to him.”
Acknowledged as one of the finest players football has ever seen, Kroos says all Madrid players feel they can learn a lot from the icon.
“With his talent and all his experience, he gives us many useful tips on every situation and problem we face, and how to handle complicated situations on the pitch.
“He is always ready to help you and give you advice.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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Influence Luis Suarez Rafael Benitez Real Madrid Toni Kroos Zinedine Zidane