Toni Kroos has become a regular first choice in the Bayer 04 starting line-up. He has played in all the 12 Bundesliga games this season and has scored three goals in the process. The midfielder joined the Werkself at the start of the year and is on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season. Sunday sees the 19-year-old return to Munich with Bayer 04 in top spot. Toni gave bayer04.de an exclusive interview ahead of the clash at the Allianz Arena.
Toni, you came back early from the U21s this week? How is your foot?
I picked up a knock in the game against Northern Ireland on Friday. I rested for a day when I got back to Leverkusen and then completed the full training programme after that. So it won’t be a problem for Sunday.
Bayern Munich are next up on Sunday. How important is this match for Bayer 04?
It is very significant as it gives us a chance to measure our progress. I’m expecting a really tough game in Munich. But I think we can go there with some confidence as we’re top of the table at the moment and we have the ability to come away with three points.
You touched on something there: Things aren’t going too well at Bayern at the moment. Do you think it could be an advantage playing them now?
I don’t think there’s any particular advantage. Bayern are still a quality side and sometimes they’re more dangerous when things aren’t going to plan. They’ll be fully focussed and will go at us from the start of the game. We’re ready for that and we’re hoping it will be a good game with the right result for us.
Bayer 04 haven’t won in Munich for 20 years. Can you identify any reasons for being optimistic this time round?
History doesn’t really interest us in this case. We’re a good team, we’ve got quality players in our ranks and I think that our current form gives us a chance of winning in Munich.
It’s another homecoming for you. This will be the second time you’ve been back to Bayern with Bayer 04. Is this game special for you?
Obviously I’m looking forward to going back to Munich and meeting up with a few of my old team-mates. But it’s just a normal Bundesliga game where it’s important for us to produce a good performance and hopefully win - and if we can’t do that then we need to take a point from the game. My homecoming is of secondary importance.
There’s been a lot of discussion about your contractual position in the run-up to this match. What do you think about it all?
I’ve said a couple of things about in recent weeks and that still applies. I’ve got a contract with Bayern until 2012. If Bayern want to have me back then there’s no point in talking about it. I’ll go back as I've got a contract there. If that doesn’t happen then everything’s up for grabs.
What would do you like to happen?
I want a club where I can play regularly. That’s my top priority. My hands are tied to some extent as I’m under contract and the ball’s in Bayern’s court. They’re entitled to ask me to go back if they want and I would return to Munich.
Discussions are due to be held between the management of Bayern Munich and Bayer 04 at Sunday’s game. Toni Kroos is likely to be on the agenda. How much are you looking forward to getting a result on Sunday?
It may depend on me but I can’t afford to concentrate on that. I’ve got to concentrate on the game as it’s really important for us. Uli Hoeneß, Rudi Völler and my agent will discuss the other issues.
Bayer 04 are on a good run at the moment. How happy are you with your progress at Leverkusen to date?
We can be happy as a team - and I certainly can’t complain about how it’s turned out. We’re top of the table and I’m playing more and more games. And there’s been one or two good performances along the way. So I can be positive about the way it’s gone so far.
You’ve been living in the Rhineland and at Bayer 04 for a year now. Do you feel at home yet?
I’ve always said that I feel at home in Leverkusen. All’s going well with the team and on the personal front too. The set-up at Leverkusen suits me down to the ground.
If you just look forward to the summer, what are your targets?
That we can end up as high as possible in the league. On a personal level, my main aim is to play and obviously produce some good performances.
Bayer 04 fly to Munich on Saturday afternoon. How do you think you’ll feel?
I’ll be fine. Firstly, I think we can get a result in Munich even though it will be difficult. And I’m just looking forward to it all.
