MADRID – Toni Kroos and Sergio Scariolo, two of the most decorated figures in their respective sports, were the featured speakers on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the third day of Real Madrid’s “White Week” at the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea. The event, moderated by Emilio Butragueño, the club’s Director of Institutional Relations, provided insights into their careers, philosophies, and experiences with the storied Spanish club.
Kroos, who recently retired from professional football after a decade with Real Madrid, spoke candidly about his decision to step away from the game. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of physical and mental performance, stating, “I retired because I never wanted to reach the point where I didn’t feel as good and started having physical issues. The feeling with the ball never leaves me; I still have it.” The German midfielder, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and a World Cup champion with Germany, underscored his desire to exit the club on his own terms, with a positive legacy.
“I always knew I wanted to leave as I deserved, as the club deserved, and as I wanted the fans to remember me, because the last image is particularly important to me,” Kroos explained. He expressed satisfaction with how his career concluded, culminating in Champions League and La Liga titles. “I’m very happy with this decision; it happened exactly as I wanted. I couldn’t plan on winning the Champions League because I had decided before. Everything worked out so well, with the Champions League and La Liga, it couldn’t have been better.”
A Human Club from Top to Bottom
Kroos highlighted the unique culture at Real Madrid, describing it as “a very human club, very family-oriented on the inside.” He credited club president Florentino Pérez for fostering this environment, noting the president’s consistent engagement with players. “How Florentino Pérez welcomed me from day one, how he has always spoken to me… But not just to me, every time he visits the dressing room. It’s something you can also notice from the outside. He conveys something very human, and I’ve always valued this greatly about the club.” Kroos emphasized that this atmosphere of support and camaraderie persisted despite numerous player changes over the years, contributing to his comfort and success at the club.
Reflecting on Real Madrid’s unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles, Kroos stressed the importance of team unity. “We were a team, not 20 friends,” he stated. “There were many great players, but we understood that, when the referee whistled, we all wanted the same thing. We all wanted to win, and that was the key. We were also very good, because if you are a lousy team, you don’t win Champions Leagues.”
The Relentless Pursuit of Champions League Glory
Kroos also touched upon the demanding expectations at Real Madrid, describing a culture of continuous ambition. He recounted how President Pérez would immediately challenge the team to defend their Champions League title the day after winning it. “You can enjoy a few hours until the next day, when you hear from the president: ‘Very well, and we’ll see you next year here, at the same place, with the same Cup,’” Kroos said, adding with a smile, “It may seem like a joke, but it doesn’t let you rest. In this club, you have in mind: ‘Champions, Champions, Champions.’”
The midfielder also spoke about the unique atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, describing its ability to inspire the team and intimidate opponents. “It’s not possible in many stadiums,” he said. “It generates a force that gives energy to the team and takes it away from the opponent. There have been comebacks against teams that we reckon are very stable and good. There, the Bernabéu helped us a lot. What makes the Bernabéu special is that it only takes a moment to change the scenario. The opponents think they don’t want to play. The team has grown a lot because it knows how to play with that, and there have been great opponents who were not capable of making three consecutive passes.”
Scariolo on Real Madrid’s Structure and NBA Lessons
Sergio Scariolo, the current head coach of Real Madrid’s basketball team and a highly successful international coach with four EuroBasket championships and a World Cup title with Spain, also shared his perspective. Scariolo spoke about his return to the club, citing a strong relationship with President Pérez and a desire to challenge himself in a demanding environment. “There was something special, a connection with the president that lasted for many years, affective, especially. At a professional level, I had the desire to test myself daily with a demanding club, with great aspirations. I liked the idea of getting out of my comfort zone.”
Scariolo emphasized the importance of a strong organizational structure, particularly when navigating a demanding schedule. “We are in the middle of a cycle of five games in nine days, to put things in perspective. You need a club with a structure that works, like Real Madrid’s, which is far and away one of the best in the world.” He also drew upon his experience as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors in the NBA, highlighting the value of organizational discipline and player management. “Over the years, you have to know how to develop a capacity for organization. Almost anything can be done if there is organization and discipline, and that’s where my experience in the NBA was very useful to me. The idea of making the team work without overloading, but by training.”
Scariolo also underscored the importance of a skilled support staff, noting that Real Madrid provides access to top professionals. He acknowledged the significant changes within the basketball section over the past year, emphasizing the need for time to integrate new talent and establish cohesion. He believes that lessons learned from the NBA, and vice versa, are invaluable for both leagues. “From the NBA, you have to learn, and the NBA has to learn from Europe. I learned a lot of things, and if I want to choose one, it’s how to lead a team during a season with so many games and such intensity. That balance between training, but not overloading the players. Trying to find a way to grow the team without increasing the risk of injury that the competition itself proposes.”
The third day of White Week also featured presentations from Héctor Argüelles, NBA Europe and Middle East Commercial Operations Director, discussing the NBA’s growth in Europe, and Víctor Alfaro, Podoactiva General Manager and Real Madrid First Team podiatrist, who spoke on the importance of foot health in athletic performance.
Real Madrid will next face German opposition in the Champions League, following their recent tie against Manchester City. The team will undoubtedly carry the lessons of relentless ambition and team unity, as emphasized by Kroos and Scariolo, into their upcoming challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Toni Kroos retired at the peak of his powers, prioritizing physical well-being and a positive legacy.
- Real Madrid’s culture, fostered by President Florentino Pérez, emphasizes a human and family-oriented environment.
- Sergio Scariolo highlighted the importance of organizational structure and lessons learned from his NBA experience.
- The Santiago Bernabéu stadium is a unique and powerful asset for Real Madrid, capable of inspiring the team and intimidating opponents.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on Real Madrid’s progress in both football and basketball, and for exclusive insights from White Week as they become available. What are your thoughts on Kroos’s departure and Scariolo’s return? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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