Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed that manager Carlo Ancelotti is one of the reasons why he chose the Santiago Bernabeu when he left Bayern Munich in the summer.

Kroos arrived at Los Blancos from the reigning Bundesliga champions at the start of the current season and he has been a constant presence in the Real Madrid midfield under Ancelotti. The midfielder has played all 25 of their La Liga matches, having scored once and assisted seven goals in the process.




The 25-year-old played majority of his games at Bayern Munich as either a central midfielder or an attacking midfielder, but Ancelotti has used Kroos as a defensive midfielder following the departure of Xabi Alonso in the summer.

The 2014 World Cup winner has adapted to his new role on the pitch without problem and he credits the Italian for helping him ease into his new responsibilities.
 


“He trusted me from the beginning in a position where I hadn't played that much, which was nonetheless in midfield”, Kroos told UEFA.

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“I enjoy playing in this position. Our relationship is good. We communicate a lot before each game.

“We discuss how I have to approach each game according to the opponent we're facing. I still don't know every team that well, which is normal. But he tries to fill in the gaps.”

The midfielder added that the three-time Champions League winning manager was one of the main reasons he chose to Real Madrid.

Kroos was reported to be a transfer target for Manchester United and Barcelona; he added that his conversation with Ancelotti prior to joining Real Madrid convinced him about choosing Los Blancos over other suitors.

“He's also one of the reasons I came here – I think it's normal to talk with the coach before taking that step.

“He gave me a positive impression and told me Madrid would be even stronger with me in their ranks.

“It was obviously a good conversation”, he concluded.

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