Following Germany’s exit from the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, Toni Kroos, in a podcast interview with “Lanz & Precht,” shared his thoughts on the state of the nation, particularly regarding societal drive and migration.
Kroos expressed concern about what he perceives as a decline in the pursuit of excellence, using the example of youth football where scores are sometimes not kept. He emphasized the importance of striving for success, both in sports and life, stating, “I want my children to try to be the best in whatever they do.”
The footballer, who plans to retire after the tournament, also revealed his intention to remain in Spain, citing a sense of unease in Germany compared to a decade ago. He expressed greater apprehension about letting his daughter out late at night in a German city compared to Spain.
Kroos further addressed the topic of migration, acknowledging Germany’s openness but highlighting concerns about uncontrolled immigration in recent years. He pointed out that a certain percentage of immigrants, like any group, may have negative impacts, making it challenging when they cannot be distinguished from those who contribute positively. He stressed the need for many immigrants but lamented the lack of societal cohesion on the issue.
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The podcast host, Markus Lanz, echoed Kroos’ sentiments, suggesting that the German population has been systematically overwhelmed on multiple levels, leading to various problems. He defended Germany against accusations of racism, asserting that the country is not inherently racist but needs to address the challenges associated with migration.