The clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final is less than 24 hours away and just like James Rodriguez, the German sniper Toni Kroos will be facing his former team.
In the pre-match press conference, Kroos said he thinks the match will be very difficult and he a lot of appreciation for his former coach Jupp Heynckes.
“It will be a difficult game, they have already won their league, I think they are in better form this year, that’s the feeling I get from them and we need to do something to change that.
“Heynckes is 72 and it’s amazing that he’s still a coach. He’s managing to keep this together. In the past, there were a few problems with communication but it seems now that everything is going in the right direction.”
When asked about his captain Sergio Ramos: “Ramos is a great player and he’s very important for us, we are happy that he’s back and we hope that we can improve from the second leg against Juventus.”
If Real Madrid wins three time in a row, then it will be very unique, believes Kroos.
“This is the only chance we have this year to win a title. Last year it was similar that we went through and this year we are very motivated to defend our title. It would be very unique to win it three times in a row.
“It’s hard to win everything every time you play. It’s not easy to win the Champions League but when you win it, you can say you’re the best side in Europe.”
“I think my former coach is right, you can’t just buy the Champions League. I think what you see in the last few years especially with Real Madrid, there are players who are ready to play at the highest level and that’s the same with Bayern. That helps you,” he added.
“Last year, it was very tight. I don’t think there’s a clear favourite in this tie. The things in the past don’t really worry me but what’s important is what happens on the field tomorrow.”
“We have to be physically and mentally prepared and we are. All players like to play in these games and I hope we go out and play a great game,” Kroos concluded.