Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid 2019-20 Champions LeaguGetty Images

'Zidane is the best coach you could ask for' - Real Madrid boss has everything 'under control', says Kroos

Toni Kroos says Zinedine Zidane is "the best coach you could ask for" and that the Real Madrid boss has everything "under control" at the club.

Zidane is currently in the middle of his second managerial stint at Santiago Bernabeu.

The Frenchman's first spell in charge came between 2016 and 2018, which saw him deliver three consecutive Champions League crowns and one La Liga title.

Article continues below

He walked away from his post following a European Cup final victory over Liverpool, but returned nine months later after the Blancos' had suffered a dramatic decline in his absence.

Madrid have gradually emerged as a major force since welcoming Zidane back into the dugout, with the 2019-20 campaign proving to be a hugely successful one domestically.

The Blancos finished five points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish top flight to secure their first league title in three years, having won 10 of their final 11 fixtures post-lockdown.

Not even a disappointing last 16 Champions League defeat at the hands of Manchester City could dampen the jubilant mood at the Bernabeu, and Kroos is happy to give Zidane all the credit for Madrid's recent success.

The Germany international told Swiss publication Blick of a club legend's unique approach to management: “It helps that he was a great player himself. 

Toni Kroos Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid Champions League  06112019Getty Images

"He knows exactly what makes them tick and what it's like to be a Real Madrid player. He applies this knowledge superbly," explained Kroos.

"He's incredibly good at managing this group of stars. He meets every player at eye level, brings everyone on board and has everything around Real under control. 

"And he is also very good technically. He's the best coach you could ask for."

Kroos took in 43 appearances across all competitions for Madrid last term, taking his overall tally to 278 since joining the club from Bayern Munich in 2014.

The 30-year-old arrived in the Spanish capital following Germany's triumph at the World Cup in Brazil, but says he never could have imagined the success that would follow under Zidane's stewardship.

“I was then lucky enough to come to Madrid as a newly crowned world champion," Kroos added.

"But that I've been here for six years and won the Champions League three times in a row, that was more than I had hoped."

Advertisement