Kroos: "The good part is starting and the good part is always more difficult"
"Leipzig play at high intensity and we can't afford to drop off from the last few games if we want to win here," said the madridista.
Toni Kroos spoke in the press room at the RB Arena on the eve of the clash between Leipzig and Real Madrid, the first leg of the Champions League last 16 (9pm CET). The madridista had the following to say: “We got through the group stage pretty comfortably. The good part is starting and the good part is always more difficult. We played here two years ago and we lost. We know we're up against a team that plays at high intensity and we can't afford to drop off from the last few games if we want to win here."
On his future
“I still don't know what to do. I haven't decided anything yet. I'm very happy that people want me to play one more year, that's a positive sign. I feel good but I haven't made a decision yet.”
The secrets of a strong season
“Motivation is the most important thing. Having the same desire to win things as 10 years ago is important. If not, you don’t get to 34 playing so well. Also your body has to still work. I try to take good care of myself and physically I can play games every three days. Things work well and it's always better if it works out that way. The most important thing is to take good care of your body and to always have the same motivation.”
His best moment?
“It’s not so easy. I've had many successful seasons and it's difficult to choose one, but I'm very happy. I'm very consistent in my performance and I'm pleased to still be playing well at this age. We all know that the real season starts in March or April. Let's see what happens.”
Returning to the national side?
“I have to make decisions and think hard about what I want to do. It will depend on many things. On my personal plans, on how I feel. I’ve always said I want to finish my career at the highest possible level. I’m still quite pleased with the decision I took a year ago. At the moment I'm just enjoying the moment. and things are going so well that it gives me a little more time to decide. There's a possibility of returning. But as with the renewal, I don't know at the moment.”
On Modrić’s future
“We're two different cases and different people. Even though we play well together, in some things, on the future, we think a little bit differently. It's going to be his decision, or the club's decision. I can only talk about my case.”
His position on the pitch
“I've played in the number 6 position, and in 4-4-2 with two 6's. In many situations you have to think a little more defensively. In recent years I wanted to improve in that area. With Real Madrid we always play very offensive and we have a lot of players there. You also have to think about what happens when you lose the ball and you have to defend.”
When will he take his decision?
“There's a possibility I can take it a little earlier. I will take it when I feel ready and it's clear to me. On the pitch this situation, as you can see, doesn't worry me a bit. I'm just happy with what I've achieved in football and how I'm playing, so I'm not worried about it.”
Favourites for the Champions League?
“I don't know if we're favourites, but of course we're capable of winning it. We have a good team, but one bad day can mean we're out. That's the beauty of this competition, there's such a high level that it's extremely difficult to win. We usually play our best games against very good opponents. That motivates us.”
Motivation
“I'm more surprised by my head than my body. I started at the professional level at a very young age, at 17 with Bayern Munich. I always thought I'd last 15 years, until I was 32, but I still have the desire and motivation and this surprises me more than my body. I haven't had many problems in the last 15 or 16 years.”
Whistling in Saudi Arabia
“It was the confirmation that I said the correct thing.”