Real Madrid – Toni Kroos consulted coach Carlo Ancelotti about substitutions: “He is interested in our opinion”
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Toni Kroos was substituted after almost 70 minutes in the semi-final against City, but then also played a role from the sidelines.
In the Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City, Toni Kroos was substituted after 68 minutes. The ex-national player then supported Real coach Carlo Ancelotti on the sidelines and helped with decisions on changes.
“The coach himself had a few doubts about who he would bring and who not. We all saw a few football games ourselves. Then you can exchange ideas a bit,” said Kroos after his team’s 3-1 win over the Citizens on DAZN. “He’s just like he doesn’t say ‘I’ll do it’ when he has slight doubts, [sondern] he’s bringing us in there.”
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Ancelotti generally attaches great importance to the opinion of his team. “That describes him really well and why things always work well with the team. It’s outstanding. He’s interested in our opinion.” Ultimately, however, the Italian would still have the last word in decisions. “In the end he decides,” emphasized Kroos.
By beating City, Real Madrid made it into the final of the Champions League as a second team alongside Liverpool. Kroos was substituted against the Skyblues after 68 minutes. Real turned the deficit through Riyad Mahrez (71st) with a late brace from Rodrygo (90th, 90th + 1st). In extra time, Karim Benzema (95th) then scored a penalty to decide for the royals.