Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos says coach Carlo Ancelotti deserves greater credit ahead of the Champions League final against Liverpool.

Kroos stood by his coach and praised his qualities.

"It's a pity that [Jupp] Heynckes and Ancelotti are reduced to being good dressing room managers," Kroos told ZDF.

"I don't think they are done justice. It sounds like they don't know anything about tactics. They may take the less complicated footballing route most of the time, but they are very clear about how they want their teams to play, defend and attack. That aspect is not usually taken into account when you talk about them."

Kroos went on to admit that Liverpool have improved since the 2018 Champions League final and stressed that Real Madrid have the same chances to win the trophy this year as their opponents.

"In a Champions League final you give everything, especially considering that we had to give everything on more than one occasion to reach the final," added Kroos.

"Now we're there and we want to win it.

"Honestly, I think Liverpool are a better team than in 2018. It's 50:50."