« Avec leur style de jeu actuel, j’ai beaucoup de mal à imaginer le Barça remporter la Ligue des champions », a affirmé Toni Kroos.

FC Barcelona faces major defensive vulnerabilities under head coach Hansi Flick that will likely derail their UEFA Champions League ambitions, according to former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. Speaking on his podcast, the retired German international argued that the Catalan club’s uncompromising tactical approach leaves them fatally exposed against elite European opponents who can absorb pressure and control possession, Foot Mercato reported.

Kroos pointed directly to Barcelona’s high-risk defensive system as a primary weakness on the continent. He highlighted previous European struggles, noting that matches against Paris Saint-Germain exposed the exact dangers of the Blaugrana’s tactical blueprint. “Vous affrontez aussi des adversaires qui défendent exceptionnellement bien et qui ne vous laissent pas pratiquer votre jeu habituel. Dans ces situations, il faut aussi savoir défendre,” Kroos explained.

The former midfielder also referenced Barcelona’s elimination against Inter Milan in the 2025 Champions League semi-finals, warning that identical structural flaws threaten to derail their campaign once again. According to Kroos, the squad suffers from a distinct lack of tactical adaptability as physical fatigue sets in during the latter stages of matches.

“À partir de la 75e minute, on remarque que tout le monde est plus fatigué, mais ils ne changent pas leur manière de fermer les espaces,” he said.

Despite his skepticism regarding the team’s collective prospects, Kroos offered high praise for the individual qualities within the squad, singling out young winger Lamine Yamal. The former Germany star expressed admiration for Yamal’s standout performance against Atlético de Madrid. “Les 25 premières minutes de Lamine Yamal ont été absolument exceptionnelles. Chaque attaque dangereuse du Barça semblait venir de lui,” Kroos said.

Kroos emphasized Yamal’s rare ability to break down defenses independently without relying on systemic support from teammates. “Il créait lui-même ces avantages, éliminait ses adversaires et se procurait des occasions grâce à son talent individuel,” he said. He added that the teenager frequently appeared driven to carry the Catalan attack entirely on his own shoulders.