Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Toni Kroos will extend his stay at the club beyond his current contract.
Kroos has been a core part of Los Blancos’ success in the past eight years, lifting the LaLiga title on three occasions and clinching victory in the Champions League four times – including last season.
Now 32, and with fellow midfielder Luka Modric also in his twilight years, Madrid have looked to the future with the signings of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, but Kroos remains crucial for Ancelotti’s side.
The Germany international has started seven of Madrid’s 10 LaLiga matches this season and, while his current deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign, Ancelotti expects him to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I’ve talked to him, he’s very calm. He’s going to think about it after the World Cup, in January or February. I think he’s going to continue,” he said in Friday’s press conference ahead of the clash against Sevilla.
“His level is better than last year, he had physical problems at the beginning and then he did very well. He’s at a very high level.”
Kroos is set to represent Germany at the World Cup in Qatar, which begins next month, where Ancelotti expects to see matches played with a higher level of intensity compared to the usual post-season tournament.
“I think this part of the season helps, you can see a World Cup with much more intensity, they will reach the top,” he added.
“In the previous ones they arrive exhausted to play the World Cup. Now they will arrive with a lot of energy.”
Source: Livescore