“No, that’s impossible” – Real Madrid Legend Toni Kroos Explains Why He Will Never Become a Manager

One of the finest players of the 21st century, Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has said he will never consider becoming a manager. The German, who retired after the 2024 European Championship, said he despised the hectic schedule and relentless traveling, citing them as the reasons why he opted to hang up his boots in the first place.

Kroos, 34, called time on his illustrious career earlier this year. He enjoyed a sensational 2023-24 season with Real Madrid, chipping in with a goal and 10 assists in 48 games across competitions, helping the All-Whites to the UEFA Champions League trophy, the La Liga title, and the Supercopa de Espana.

Kroos represented Germany in EURO 2024, but, unfortunately, did not have the same degree of success. Die Manschafft crashed out in the quarter-finals after a defeat to Spain, putting an end to Kroos’ professional career.

Real Madrid Icon Toni Kroos Explains Why He Will Not Go Into Management

During his career, Kroos exhibited extraordinary intelligence and game-reading capability — traits essential to becoming a top-tier manager. Kroos, however, has no intention of transitioning into a coaching role. He currently runs a soccer academy in Madrid and wants to dedicate all his attention to that project.

In an interview with The Athletic, he said:

“No, I’m not going to be a coach.”

Kroos added that he would not reconsider even if Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti invited him to become a part of his coaching staff.

“No, that’s impossible [him joining Ancelotti’s coaching staff]. Whenever he 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.

“Sometimes he and I are in contact, it’s normal with the relationship we have, but Carlo knows there’s no point in even asking me because he knows the answer.

He continued:

“A day at Valdebebas (Madrid’s training ground) is even more difficult as a coach than as a player. As a player you come, you do your job and you go home. As a coach, you are responsible for everyone, the first to come and the last to leave, you also have all this travel… I see myself well in the academy.

“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.”

Kroos played 465 games for Real Madrid between 2014 and 2024, scoring 28 times and providing 99 assists. He won five UEFA Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles with the club, among other honors.