Spanish Director Luis de la Fuente La Roja said they may have to get creative to stop Germany's “brutal” actions. Toni Kroos During the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in Stuttgart on Friday.
“I thought about tying up Kroos' legs, but I don't know if UEFA would allow it,” the 63-year-old coach joked in Stuttgart on Thursday. “I know what Kroos does, I want to stop him from receiving the ball and limit his passing options. I will appeal to UEFA to see if I can tie him up.”
Spain go into Friday's clash as the only team to have won every game at Euro 2024, having won four out of four.
However, hosts Germany are not far behind, with three wins and one draw on their way to the quarter-finals.
De la Fuente described Kroos as “a world-class player, a footballer who plays at a brutal level.”
“He brought talent, charisma and quality to the dressing room. The confidence he transmitted to the other players was contagious and was very good for Germany. I love watching him play so it will be a shame to see him leave football.”
Germany and Spain are the most successful teams in Europa League history, with both nations having won the tournament three times.
But the Spaniard said Friday's winner would not be the favourite to win the final in Berlin on July 14.
“No, there are other strong teams out there. Nothing is free here. The closer you get to the finals, the best teams will be left. We don't see ourselves as favourites. We see ourselves as a strong team that wants to put everything on the line and fight until the end.”
German Captain Ilkay Gundogan De la Fuente said Stuttgart's enthusiastic home crowd “could be the difference” between the two teams in form in the tournament, but added that it could also work to Spain's advantage.
“At this level, home field advantage doesn't play much of a role. My players are professionals and they won't be intimidated by a hostile environment. Sometimes that factor can work against the home team.”
Spain's Captain Dani Carvajal“I haven't spoken to him. I'll wait until tomorrow,” said the player who played alongside Kroos for 10 years at Real Madrid.
“Hopefully, like the manager said, we can contain him. It will be a special game for him.”
Drink driving/driving without a license
© Agence France-Presse
