Former Germany international Toni Kroos has cast doubt on Barcelona’s European prospects, stating that the Spanish club lacks sufficient defensive solidity to lift the Champions League trophy. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder highlighted structural issues in the team’s back line that could be punished by top-tier opponents.
The Catalan side has secured victory in three of their four European fixtures this campaign, with their only defeat coming in a 4-2 loss against two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on October 20. Domestically, Barcelona sit atop the La Liga standings after winning 11 of their opening 12 games, scoring 48 goals while conceding 13. They maintain a three-point advantage over Real Madrid, despite Jose Mourinho’s side winning the season’s first Clasico at Camp Nou.
To manage his squad, head coach Hansi Flick has rotated several players in central defence, pairing Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, or Eric Garcia alongside young defender Pau Cubarsi. Kroos believes this lack of defensive stability will prove costly in high-stakes European matches, pointing out that Barcelona’s attacking philosophy leaves them vulnerable when facing elite opposition.
“Barça always tries to generate more chances than its opponents, but in the Champions League you find teams capable of scoring several goals in the same game,” Kroos said. “You also face rivals who defend exceptionally well and don’t let you play as you usually do. In those situations you have to know how to defend yourself.”
Comparison With Bayern Munich
Kroos drew a direct contrast between Barcelona and his former club Bayern Munich, arguing that the German champions possess superior athletic profile and recovery speed in their defensive line.
“Barcelona don’t have someone like [Bayern’s Dayot] Upamecano, a defender that you can leave completely alone in a one-on-one, with 30 metres of space behind, and have the peace of mind that he will solve the situation,” Kroos explained. “With players like Upamecano or [Alphonso] Davies I wouldn’t worry about defending those 30 metres. But with [Joao] Cancelo, Gerard Martín and similar players, it’s much more complicated.”
Praise for Pau Cubarsi
Despite his critical assessment of Barcelona’s defensive unit as a whole, the six-time Champions League winner singled out 19-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi for positive recognition.
“He is by far their best defender,” Kroos noted regarding Cubarsi. “He has the strength to win individual duels and the speed to face complicated situations. But when I look at the other defenders, I don’t see anyone I would trust.”
Barcelona return to La Liga competition a week on Sunday, when they host Villarreal at Camp Nou. Their European campaign continues on November 25 with an away fixture against Azerbaijani side Sabah.
