Could Real Madrid replace Toni Kroos? Carlo Ancelotti makes stark admission about retired midfielder as he reiterates transfer stance

Los Blancos legend Kroos decided to hang up his boots at the end of the 2023-24 season as he bowed out of club football after winning the Champions League title. His last competitive match as a professional footballer, however, was the Euro 2024 quarterfinal between Germany and Spain where La Roja emerged victorious 2-1.

Now ahead of the 2024-25 season, manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that the team would miss the presence of the German in the dressing room while claiming it is 'impossible' to find his replacement. The Italian manager also reiterated that the club will not sign any more players in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference about Kroos, the 65-year-old said, "The first game went well, we will always miss Kroos, he was a special player. Looking for another one is impossible, we have to adapt."

He added, "The squad is closed, we have to wait until the market closes. We think Alaba will come back well. And we have young players who can play. We have been unlucky with Joan’s injury. Asencio and Jacobo can contribute."

The reigning European and Spanish champions kicked off the new season midweek as they beat Atalanta to clinch the UEFA Super Cup. They will begin their La Liga journey on Sunday against Mallorca.