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Toni Kroos on Bernabéu Whistles: “If You’ve Never Been Booed Here, You’re Not a Great Player”
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu is once again under scrutiny. After a weekend of whistles, a legendary voice stepped in to add perspective.
Echoes of an Uncomfortable Night
The hostile reception the Santiago Bernabéu gave Real Madrid over the weekend is still reverberating. Not even the confidence-boosting Champions League rout — a much-needed reset after the tension seen days earlier against Levante — managed to fully shift the focus.
What happened on Saturday sparked reactions from all sides, reopening the debate around the role of the crowd during one of the most delicate stretches of the season.
A Privileged Witness Speaks
One of the most authoritative voices to address the situation was Toni Kroos. The former Madrid midfielder, who lived through similar moments during his time at the club, tackled the issue head-on in his podcast.
“If you’ve never been booed at the Santiago Bernabéu, you’re not a great player. That’s Real Madrid. It’s not its best side, but it perfectly reflects what it means to play for this club. The biggest names are always chosen — for better or worse.”
For Kroos, whistles are part of a historical level of demand that spares no résumé or reputation.
Pressure Isn’t Always Helpful
While he understands the context, the German also pointed out how that environment can work against the team in difficult moments.
“If you’re already being booed before the match, it doesn’t make it any easier to achieve what the club and everyone wants: winning and playing well.”
A clear reflection on the fine line between relentless standards and the need for support when results aren’t flowing.
Falling — and Getting Back Up
Kroos stressed that struggles are nothing new in the history of Real Madrid, not even during its most successful eras.
“After winning three Champions Leagues in a row, the 2018–19 season was one to throw away. Then the team bounced back. Now this is the second season where things don’t seem to be going well, and that creates problems.”
He was blunt about the club’s culture, one that does not tolerate long stretches without trophies — a reality reflected in sporting decisions and the reaction from the stands.
Memory and Perspective
Before wrapping up, Toni Kroos placed himself in the story as well.
“I was also knocked out by a smaller team in the Cup. Our generation went through low points too. In 2019, during the 1–4 loss to Ajax, I heard whistles as well.”
A reminder that even the most successful eras at Real Madrid have lived under the relentless pressure of the Bernabéu — a defining trait of the club, in good times and bad.
