Recently, Toni Kroos and his brother Felix Kroos discussed Borussia Dortmund’s 0–2 home defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League on their podcast Einfach mal Luppen. Below is a concise summary of their analysis
On Both Teams’ Chances of Reaching the Round of 16
Toni: “The deadlock was broken by a set piece—unsurprising, as Inter had a slight edge in individual quality. That decided the game.” He added that while Inter (with 10 points) are likely to advance—especially if they avoid complacency against Benfica or Bodø/Glimt—he doubts Dortmund can qualify regardless of their opponent.
Felix: “My first note during the match was: ‘Neither of these teams can win the Champions League.’” He clarified this was about the level shown, not past pedigree—even acknowledging Inter reached the final recently.
On the Quality of Play
Felix: Compared the match to a “2. Bundesliga game”—characterized by constant back-and-forth but riddled with unforced errors and poor passing.
Toni: Agreed the technical standard was low for the Champions League. Both teams lacked intensity, seemingly resigned to settling things in the knockout playoff round. Dortmund, especially at home, should have demanded more.
On Inter’s Composure and Tactics
Inter remained calm, knowing a draw wouldn’t ruin their chances. Their approach under pressure was clear: bypass Dortmund’s disorganized press with direct, rehearsed long balls to their forwards.
Toni: “Against Italian sides like Inter, you always see this pattern—they don’t panic. Under pressure, they go wide, then immediately launch diagonal balls to the striker. It’s drilled into them.”
On Marcus Thuram
Both praised Thuram’s role as a link-up forward.
Toni: Called his back-to-goal play “world-class”—able to hold possession, lay off passes, and time runs into the box.
Felix: Noted Thuram isn’t a pure finisher but excels in transitional moments with his first touch and distribution—though his success rate in this match was only around 50%.
On Alessandro Bastoni & Francesco Acerbi
Highlighted Acerbi’s toughness: after dislocating his finger, he walked to the medical staff, demanded immediate treatment, and insisted on staying on—so convincingly that the coaching staff never considered substituting him.
Final Assessment
Toni: “If Inter had the pace of Barcelona or Real Madrid, they’d have demolished Dortmund given the space left open. But Inter aren’t a fast-break team—they win through structure and composure.”
He drew parallels to classic Italian football: “It reminded me of facing Italy national teams—where even under pressure, they always had an outlet, whether through a Pirlo-style deep playmaker or a target man who could receive and retain under duress.”
In essence, Kroos concluded that Inter’s tactical clarity, mental calmness, and superior execution in key phases made the difference—even in a match lacking overall intensity.