Ex-Bayern star sharply criticises Kimmich: „Step in front of the cameras yourself“

Joshua Kimmich is a much-discussed personnel issue at FC Bayern. He even became a topic of discussion at RB Leipzig’s Champions League match. And earns criticism from an expert.

Joshua Kimmich has not had an easy time of it this season. In a difficult sporting situation at FC Bayern, he repeatedly has to listen to criticism from outside. Including from Michael Ballack on Wednesday.

The former Bayern star was on duty as a DAZN pundit for the broadcast of the Champions League match between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig.

The comeback of Real star Toni Kroos in the DFB team prompted Ballack to talk about Kimmich. Kroos‘ return to the national team’s midfield means that the Bayern player will play on the right-hand side of defence for national coach Julian Nagelsmann in future. Kimmich has also been deployed at right-back for FCB in recent matches.

Ballack calls for a more offensive approach from Kimmich

However, Ballack did not criticise Kimmich’s performances, but criticised his appearance in public: „For me, Joshua is a bit of a personnel issue that I don’t understand. Nor do I understand him, in what has been a difficult time recently, stepping in front of the cameras himself and stating his claim more loudly.“

Kimmich has had a difficult season at FC Bayern so far. The fact that coach Thomas Tuchel denied him the status of a holding six in the summer seemed to gnaw at the 29-year-old.

However, Ballack emphasised that performances are not always decisive: „You don’t always have to play outstandingly to be a leading player and have this claim.“ You can „also articulate this from time to time when developing your personality, and in my opinion, he was simply too quiet recently and put up with too much discussion.“

In the past, Kimmich has „proven his claim to be a leading player at Bayern“. He must take on this role again, the former national team captain demanded. Also in the interests of the team: „The younger players need players like him to pull them up and, as I said, there’s been a bit of a lack of him recently.“