Brothers Kroos jubilantly acknowledged the surge of HSV.
Toni Kroos expressed relief in November when coach Steffen Baumgart was dismissed from Hamburg SV (HSV). Kroos had supported the club due to Baumgart, but his support ended abruptly with the mid-season coaching change. "I want HSV to lose many games," Kroos initially stated, but his wish did not come true as new coach Merlin Polzin managed to lead HSV back to the Bundesliga the following season.
The elder Kroos brother, Toni, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid, ultimately congratulated HSV on their promotion. "Let's show some class," he said on a podcast he co-hosts with his brother Felix. Felix, a former Werder Bremen player, acknowledged HSV's success, saying, "You don't, Toni," recognizing the unique feeling of promotion.
Felix, who was promoted with 1. FC Union Berlin in the 2018/19 season, expressed joy over HSV's success. "I think after seven years of always chasing, there's a lot of joy," he said. He had noticed an increase in HSV fans on his social media feeds and expected more Hanseatic derbies with the return of HSV to the Bundesliga.
Toni's reaction to HSV's promotion was not as enthusiastic as Felix's. He merely replied with a brief "yes" to his brother's congratulations. Felix, wrapping up the conversation, joked that Toni may have choked on water.
Despite the brothers' differing responses, Toni's success as a footballer is unparalleled in German history, having won 34 titles with his teams. Unlike Felix, Toni has never participated in a promotion battle.
In the upcoming season, there will be more Hanseatic derbies as HSV and FC St. Pauli, both from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, will be in the Bundesliga. Felix, who played 70 times for Werder Bremen, is looking forward to the North Derby against HSV and Werder.
Toni Kroos, known for his success in European football leagues, congratulated his former club, Hamburg SV (HSV), on their promotion to Bundesliga. Despite his brother Felix's enthusiasm, Toni's response was less expressive, showcasing the contrast in their reactions given their differing football experiences.
