Ancelotti on kroos's substitution frustration: a glimpse inside real madrid

Ancelotti reflects on kroos's reaction to a substitution

The dismissal of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid continues to be a prominent topic of discussion within Spanish football. Amidst these conversations, a past incident involving Carlo Ancelotti and Toni Kroos has resurfaced, offering a revealing look into the dynamics between a manager and one of his star players.

The 2019 champions league quarter-final

The story dates back to the 2019 Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea. Real Madrid held a 3-1 advantage from the first leg in London, but found themselves trailing 2-0 at home. In the 73rd minute, Kroos was substituted for Eduardo Camavinga.

Kroos's displeasure

Sources indicate that Kroos was visibly unhappy with the decision. He offered no acknowledgement to Ancelotti as he left the pitch, though he did clap for him. The tension lingered, with Ancelotti later reporting that Kroos initially dismissed the need for a conversation.

Ancelotti's account

“I substituted Kroos, and he was angry,” Ancelotti revealed during the “Universo Valdano” show. He elaborated that they did speak before heading onto the field for the second half. Ancelotti inquired if a discussion was needed, to which Kroos responded that the matter was closed.

A reconciliation and a post-match remark

Despite the initial frustration, Real Madrid went on to secure a comeback victory in extra time, advancing to the semi-finals. The situation appears to have been resolved, but Kroos offered a subtle comment on social media when a post referenced the substitution. He simply wrote, “The best!!!” followed by “But the substitution was still a mistake.” The laughing emoji suggests a lighthearted, yet pointed, acknowledgement of the incident.

The manager-player dynamic

The incident highlights the complex relationship between managers and high-profile players. Even seasoned professionals like Kroos, known for his professionalism, can react strongly to tactical decisions. Ancelotti's handling of the situation, allowing Kroos to express his feelings while ultimately maintaining team unity, speaks to his experience and leadership.

Key takeaways

• The incident occurred during the 2019 Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea
• Kroos showed visible displeasure with being substituted.
• Ancelotti and Kroos later reconciled.
• Kroos later acknowledged the situation with a humorous social media post.