After his interview Zoff with Toni Kroos (32), ZDF reporter Nils Kaben (54) now speaks up – and clearly criticizes the real star!
Shortly after the final whistle of the Champions League final, which Real Madrid won 1-0 against Liverpool, Kaben Kroos asked: “Was that surprising to you that Real Madrid got into quite a bit of trouble?”
The World Champion’s answer: “You have now had 90 minutes to think of sensible questions. And now you’re asking me two shitty questions like this. I think that’s crazy!” Kroos then ended the interview prematurely with a “very, very bad”.
In an interview with “Spiegel”, Kaben now says about the reaction of the real star: “With my colleagues, we came to the conclusion that a player should not behave like that. As a journalist, I would have had to behave badly to make the interview guest just walk away.”
And further: “For example, if you ask private questions in such a moment that don’t belong there. Then you can say: I think you’re crazy! But turning a factual question about the course of the game into something personal is not possible.”
However, Kaben also admits: “I can formulate the question better. Absolutely.” But everyone saw the game. Liverpool had a shot on goal ratio of 23:3.
Kaben resolutely defends himself against Kroos’ accusation that he had 90 minutes to come up with good questions.
The ZDF reporter: “I sit behind the goal during the game and of course prepare for all eventualities. But when it starts, I don’t even know who I’m going to talk to. Whether the questions are asked in English, German or Spanish. Whether I’m facing a winner or a loser. Also, a game can spin near the end. What hardly anyone knows: As a reporter, I have to do with the organization all the time, that Kroos comes to the interview at all, that the camera is free, that the OB van is informed. Thats my job. I only think about the questions for the players in the last few minutes before the interview.”
And again about Kroos: “The players can be sure that I will treat their performance with respect, even if they lose. I congratulated him, as is proper. But I also expect respect in return.”
Kroos himself had said about the incident on Sunday: “I don’t demand more respect. After winning the Champions League final, I only expected positive questions.” And further: “I didn’t think he did so well.”
