TI CEO Podcast · episode 52
Toni Kroos – Why Simplicity Can Be World Class
1-minute summary
Christoph Standl talks in this episode about Toni Kroos and how quiet excellence can be world-class. He recalls that back in 2014 he himself underestimated Kroos, expecting James Rodriguez to have the bigger career at Real Madrid – a misjudgment, as history showed. He notes that Kroos was long criticized in Germany, mockingly nicknamed 'Querpass Toni', despite already playing at world-class level. Standl highlights the midfield trio with Modrić and Casemiro, and Kroos' calmness, game understanding and consistency over many years. He praises his dignified farewell after six Champions League titles and his commitment to youth football. From this, Standl draws lessons for his own company: people should be judged not only by how visible their performance is but by their contribution to team success, and in developing AI at Tourismus Interaktiv, simplicity and reliability matter more than complexity. His conclusion: true world-class doesn't need to be loud.
Description
In this episode of my World Class theme week, it's all about Toni Kroos – one of the most extraordinary midfielders of his generation.
When Real Madrid signed Toni Kroos and James Rodríguez in 2014, I personally expected James to have the bigger career. Today I know just how much I underestimated Toni Kroos back then.
I talk about his time at FC Bayern, the criticism as "Querpass-Toni" (sideways-pass Toni), the statements by Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and the legendary Real Madrid team that won the Champions League three times in a row under Zinédine Zidane.
I also discuss his farewell in 2024, the controversial scene at the home European Championship, his commitment to youth football, and why his calmness, precision and game intelligence are, in my view, still missing at Real Madrid today.
My key takeaway: world class doesn't have to be loud. And sometimes you only recognize its true value in hindsight.
And remember: big changes often start with small daily steps.