FC Bayern are once again turning their attention to Joshua Kimmich ahead of the Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise. The tense personnel situation on the right-hand side of defence means that the midfield leader is once again coming into focus as a possible candidate for a change of role. Coach Vincent Kompany has now made a concrete statement on the matter
At the pre-match press conference, the Bayern coach gave a positive update on Kimmich’s training condition. „We talk to Joshua all the time. He was very positive in training today. We have to pay close attention to his feeling. I think he feels good for tomorrow. Then we’ll see who starts. We’ve come through these first three games well,“ explained Kompany
Kimmich feels good – decision still open
The statements allow for several interpretations. On the one hand, everything indicates that Kimmich will be fit and ready for action in time. On the other hand, Kompany deliberately left open which position the 30-year-old could be deployed in. This question remains exciting, especially in light of the current absences
With Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic and Sacha Boey, FC Bayern are missing three regular right-backs. Tom Bischof recently helped out in this position in the 5-1 win in Leipzig, but was only partially convincing. The so-called Bischof experiment is not considered a permanent solution internally, which is why those responsible are once again considering alternatives
Joshua Kimmich is an obvious choice, as the DFB international is very familiar with the role of right-back – both from his earlier years at FC Bayern and from playing for the national team
Kompany is keeping his options open
Typically for Vincent Kompany, the coach avoids making any early commitments. In recent weeks, he had already emphasized that versatility in the squad is a key factor and that every player must be prepared to help out in unfamiliar positions. Kimmich’s profile fits perfectly into this requirement profile
Whether he will actually start at right-back or be deployed in midfield will probably only be decided in the short term, but one thing is clear: his positive performance in training gives Kompany additional flexibility in his formation
While the situation on the left has eased somewhat with Hiroki Ito and the recovered Alphonso Davies, improvisation is still required on the right. Kimmich could once again become a key player – regardless of where he ends up on the pitch.