The international break is drawing to a close, and business as usual awaits FC Bayern once again. However, there has recently been a debate surrounding Bayern player Joshua Kimmich in connection with the DFB’s international matches.
The focus has been on his performances and his importance to the German national team. With Kimmich, the German national team earned one point from two games; without him, they earned four points, also in two matches.
Naturally, this has sparked discussion. Several experts have weighed in; some defended Kimmich, while others cautioned the Bayern pro. Jürgen Klopp, meanwhile, wanted to stay as uninvolved as possiblein the whole issue .
Kimmich: Matthäus sees no guarantee of a starting spot
Of course, Kimmich is a leader, and his qualities are essential—even for the DFB. Nevertheless, the midfield functioned very well even without him. Perhaps the game was even more fluid and cohesive.
If it were up to record-holding national team player Lothar Matthäus, Kimmich would remain a starter, but that doesn’t guarantee his place in the future.
“The national team coach has also made it clear that Joshua Kimmich is his captain. But even Kimmich doesn’t have a free pass. Like Undav, he has no margin for error. The performance principle applies to everyone, and if Kimmich doesn’t perform the way Klopp envisions for his style of play, he has a major challenger in Aleksandar Pavlovic—who was among the best against Serbia and in Greece—from the ranks of FC Bayern,” Matthäus explained in his column for Sky.
Matthäus Defends Bayern Star
If the Sky expert has his way, the midfielder doesn’t deserve the harsh criticism. “As captain, Kimmich leads the way with his experience and, above all, with his performance. I don’t even know why there’s any debate about Kimmich. Kimmich plays well for Bayern and, in my opinion, was the best German player against the Netherlands. Some criticize him for passing the ball sideways or back too often,” said Matthäus.
The all-time leading German international then explained: “Kimmich doesn’t just play the ball sideways or backward—he also creates danger up front with his chip passes, both for his club and the national team. He’s indispensable at FC Bayern and on the DFB team.”