Kroos praises Mourinho after Real Madrid's Clasico win
The former midfielder highlighted Madrid's response to Barcelona's pressing as Mbappe's two goals helped cut the gap to three points.
Toni Kroos praised Jose Mourinho's preparation after Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou, saying a bolder approach helped change the contest. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, with his late second goal deciding the match.
Barcelona's opening run of nine La Liga victories ended with the defeat, leaving Madrid three points behind the leaders. Before the encounter, Madrid had suffered six losses across seven Clasicos, allowing 22 goals.
Discussing the performance on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, in remarks carried by AS, Kroos said Madrid showed more confidence in building attacks despite Barcelona's pressing. He also credited their defensive coordination and intensity, judging that they played particularly well for approximately 65 minutes.
Dean Huijsen's assignment to mark Fermin surprised Kroos. He said the team's collective effort disrupted Barcelona, prompting unusual errors from Pedri and Raphinha. While he considered Barcelona stronger at dictating matches, Kroos said they had difficulties defending when opponents escaped their press.
Kroos also said the suspended Vinicius Junior might have benefited from space behind Joao Cancelo, but would have needed to provide defensive work comparable to Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham. He praised Arda Guler's understanding with Mbappe and the opportunities that quick forwards offer midfielders.
