The stage is set perfectly – Bayern München meet Real Madrid tonight (20:45 CEST) at the Allianz Arena in the final of the Audi Cup.
Germany international and World-Cup-winner Toni Kroos will occupy most of the spotlight for tonight’s clash, since the midfielder is returning to his old club with Los Blancos. Kroos spoke to DFB.de about the importance of the pre-season tournament, and his feelings on seeing his old teammates again.
DFB.de: Toni Kroos, how did it feel to play at the Allianz Arena again?
Toni Kroos: Good. I had some amazing years here. Whilst on loan at Bayer Leverkusen I had the chance to play on the opposing side here, but this is the first time with Real Madrid, which is something special.
DFB.de: And in a footballing sense?
Kroos: At the end of the day, it’s a pre-season tournament. But like I said, I’ve always loved playing here.
DFB.de: Your goals for the season with Real Madrid must be similar to those of FC Bayern, correct?
Kroos: That’s how it works when you play for a big club – they all want to compete in every competition and come out on top.
The stage is set perfectly – Bayern München meet Real Madrid tonight (20:45 CEST) at the Allianz Arena in the final of the Audi Cup.
Germany international and World-Cup-winner Toni Kroos will occupy most of the spotlight for tonight’s clash, since the midfielder is returning to his old club with Los Blancos. Kroos spoke to DFB.de about the importance of the pre-season tournament, and his feelings on seeing his old teammates again.
DFB.de: Toni Kroos, how did it feel to play at the Allianz Arena again?
Toni Kroos: Good. I had some amazing years here. Whilst on loan at Bayer Leverkusen I had the chance to play on the opposing side here, but this is the first time with Real Madrid, which is something special.
DFB.de: And in a footballing sense?
Kroos: At the end of the day, it’s a pre-season tournament. But like I said, I’ve always loved playing here.
DFB.de: Your goals for the season with Real Madrid must be similar to those of FC Bayern, correct?
Kroos: That’s how it works when you play for a big club – they all want to compete in every competition and come out on top.
DFB.de: How aware are you of the current situation at Bayern regarding the future of manager Pep Guardiola?
Kroos: I haven’t really picked up on anything – we’re so busy here with our own jobs that we don’t get a chance to.
DFB.de: What do you make Mario Götze’s situation at Bayern, coming from a national team colleague?
Kroos: It’s the same situation – I’m not really in the loop or aware of what’s going on. I’ve got enough on my plate at Real. Obviously I know Mario well and I would certainly hope that he gets a few more games. But like I say, this is just an opinion from afar. It’s hard for me to say more, since I don’t play for FC Bayern anymore and I’m simply too far away.
DFB.de: What were your thoughts on Bastian Schweinsteiger’s move to Manchester United?
Kroos: Just how it was announced – that Basti wanted a new challenge. He’s got that now, so it’s all good.
