The Viral Photo of Kroos and Pepe That Has Nostalgic Football Fans
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has shared a photo on his social media that has stirred nostalgia among football fans and Madridistas due to his absence in the team's challenging 1-1 draw against Mallorca.
With his characteristic irreverent humor, Kroos wrote: "August vacations are for ex-footballers..." In the image, Kroos is seen smiling alongside Pepe, another former Real Madrid player, enjoying a well-deserved break after their remarkable football careers.
How Did Real Madrid Fare Without Kroos in the LaLiga Opener?
The team dropped its first points of the season after drawing 1-1 with Mallorca at Son Moix. Despite an early goal from Rodrygo Goes, Carlo Ancelotti's side could not hold onto the lead, highlighting the difficulties the champions face in this new phase.
Kroos's absence, who has been the brain in midfield and a lifesaver in tough moments, was noticeably felt. Without the German, the team struggled to impose the rhythm and clarity he usually provides. Despite having stars like Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham, Real Madrid failed to convert their dominance into the scoreboard.
Ancelotti had already anticipated missing Kroos: "The first game went well; we will always miss Toni Kroos because he was a special player," the coach admitted. "Finding another Kroos is impossible; the team has to adapt to something new, and that’s not bad because if you get too accustomed, you lose activation. Introducing something new that makes the players think more is good for concentration and motivation as well," he added.
