Real Madrid Legend Toni Kroos Rules Out Coaching, Open to Sporting Director Role

There are few players in the world who can match Toni Kross in terms of vision and football IQ. The 34-year-old midfielder was the metronome of one of the greatest squads ever assembled. However, it looks like Kross will not transition into coaching.

The 34-year-old midfield maestro was at the top of his game when he decided to hang up his boots. Toni Kross was enjoying one of the finest seasons of his stellar career, with Real Madrid in the thick of the fight for both La Liga and the Champions League titles. Ultimately, Los Blancos triumphed on both fronts, with Kroos capping off his legendary career by lifting his 5th Champions League trophy after defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final. It was his 463rd appearance for the club, marking an extraordinary 10-year stay at the Bernabéu, where he amassed an incredible 22 trophies.  

While his club career ended on the perfect note, the same can’t be said about his international swansong. Germany were dumped out of the quarterfinals stage by Spain thanks to a Mikel Merino goal in extra-time. Following Germany’s exit, Kross kept himself busy by launching the Icon League in Germany. The German legend is also hosting a podcast – Einfach mal Luppen (Just Suck it Up) – with his brother. However, Kross still hasn’t started his coaching career – a move which many fans thought was his natural progression, given he was one of the most intelligent midfielders of his generation. But it looks like the Real Madrid legend has closed the door on a coaching career. 

During a recent interview with the Athletic, Kroos stated that, “No, I’m not going to be a coach.” He even brushed off the idea of joining Real Madrid’s coaching staff, stating that he wouldn’t take on such a role, even if Carlo Ancelotti personally asked him to. He said, “No, that’s impossible. Whenever he (Carlo Ancelotti) wants, I will always give him my opinion. But he knows why I retired. An important part of it is the amount of travel, hotels, etc. It’s never been the 90 minutes on the pitch. If that’s all it was, I could play until I don’t know when.” 

However, Toni Kross hasn’t completely closed the door on a coaching career. The 34-year-old midfielder will be passing on his knowledge in some capacity, having started a football academy in Spain. Furthermore, Kroos also seemed open to taking up the role of sporting director. During his interview with the Athletic, Kross said, “Maybe as a sporting director, you’re a bit freer, you work more with your mobile phone, etc, but it’s impossible to be a coach. I’m a coach, but in another way, of many children.” 

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