Toni Kroos has publicly questioned Bayer Leverkusen's transfer strategy. The former Werkself player voiced his criticism in the latest episode of his podcast 'Einfach mal Luppen'.
Kroos, who played for Leverkusen from January 2009 to summer 2010, said he has always had a soft spot for the club. "I've always had a soft spot for Leverkusen because their style of play has never changed; they've always had a footballing approach," the 36-year-old explained. He now sees things moving away from that model of clear identity and stable structure.
Criticism of Communication and Planning
Specifically, Kroos criticised the past transfer window. "I have to say, I thought Leverkusen's transfer window was strange. The communication was also a bit odd," Kroos said. His main criticism focuses on the club's overall direction rather than individual transfers. He believes the club has lost consistency and calmness in recent months.
Die Werkself experienced a turbulent summer with the departure of manager Xabi Alonso and two further coaching changes before Carles Martínez took over. In the squad, Exequiel Palacios left for Ipswich Town. As a long-term midfield addition, 17-year-old Kennet Eichhorn arrived from Hertha BSC. Previously, Robert Andrich had lost the captaincy and faced increased competition for his place during the summer.
Current Situation of the Werkself
Carles Martínez inherited a squad that underwent considerable change. The current Bundesliga record shows three points from two games, placing them eighth in the table. The goal difference stands at 6:3. The last match was a 4-0 win over Union Berlin, with Patrik Schick providing an assist and scoring himself. The last five results read WLWWL.
The next test comes on September 20th with a home game against currently ninth-placed RB Leipzig. The full schedule can be found on the fixtures page. Alongside the injured new signing Eichhorn, Montrell Culbreath, Nathan Tella and Guéla Doué are also sidelined.
Toni Kroos's comments raise questions as Carles Martínez's team focuses on the next task. Die Werkself take to the pitch at the BayArena on Saturday aiming to continue a positive record of three wins from their last five competitive matches.
