The debate surrounding Joshua Kimmich and his role on the German national team has recently been a hot topic of discussion. Following the DFB team’s most recent matches, there has been debate over whether the Bayern star still deserves a starting spot in midfield. Now, the 31-year-old has spoken out in detail about the criticism for the first time, sending a confident message.
The debate was sparked by the most recent international matches under national team coach Jürgen Klopp. While Kimmich did not play in every game, other midfielders such as Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic impressed with strong performances.
This led to public discussion about whether the German national team could manage without its captain in the future. Kimmich himself, however, seems largely unfazed by these discussions.
“I know how this business works.”
In an interview with BILD following Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw against FC Augsburg, the midfielder was asked about the recent discussions.
“To be honest, I haven’t really been following it, but you still pick up on it when there’s a bit of a stir. I’ve been around for eleven years now. I know how this business works,” Kimmich explained.
For the Bayern pro, one thing is certain: he can defend his spot on the national team solely through his performances.
“The only thing I can and must focus on is my own performance. That’s what I’ve done for the past eleven years, and that’s what I’ll continue to do,” emphasized the 31-year-old.
At the same time, Kimmich pointed out that he has earned his spot on the DFB squad over many years.
“Ultimately, the best players always get to play. Over the past ten years, I’ve done a pretty good job of establishing myself among the best. That’s my goal, and I work toward it every day.”
His response to the public criticism is thus clear: Kimmich wants to prove himself not with words, but with consistently strong performances.
Kimmich expressly defends Klopp
Recently, the question had also arisen as to whether national team coach Jürgen Klopp should have supported his captain more clearly in the public debate.
Kimmich, however, sees no reason for that. When asked if he would have liked more backing from Klopp, he replied unequivocally: “No, not at all.”
The Bayern star went on to explain that the national team coach had communicated his decisions transparently from the very beginning.
“He simply described the situation as it was. He made that very clear from the start. He communicated his decision and also explained the reasons behind it. So, from my perspective, that was perfectly fine. Everything was clear.”
There is therefore no question of a possible conflict between Kimmich and Klopp.
Kimmich would have liked to play for the DFB team longer
It’s also interesting that, according to Kimmich himself, he would have liked to stay with the national team for the entire international break.
“Of course, I would have liked to stay in [für alle vier Spiele], especially when Jamal got injured,” the midfielder explained.
After Jamal Musiala’s injury, Kimmich had apparently held out hope for a while that an additional opportunity to play might arise for him.
Regardless, the Bayern star is now setting his sights on the upcoming challenges. The record champions have numerous competitive matches on the schedule in the coming weeks.
“I’ll make sure I perform at my best every three days,” Kimmich announced.
This should also make it clear how the 31-year-old intends to respond to the discussion about his future on the national team: with strong performances on the field.