Kimmich talks about constant criticism: „I’m aware that I sometimes cause offence“
Joshua Kimmich talks about external expectations and the importance of ambition in an interview. The Bayern professional also explains why he is not so interested in criticism.
Joshua Kimmich has come in for a lot of criticism this season in particular. It wasn’t just about his alleged lack of suitability as a six-man or his corner kicks. Most recently, Michael Ballack and Boris Becker also advised him to present himself differently in public as a leading player at FC Bayern.
After an initial response in which the 29-year-old outlined his ideas about the role of leader, he has now followed up in an interview with Welt am Sonntag.
On the subject of public expectations, Kimmich said: „When it comes to us professional footballers, people often talk about the role model role and then it’s mostly about characters, about types. For me, I turn the tables in the debate and try not to worry about what people might expect from me.“
He always says to himself: „‚Be who you are, stay who you are‘ – and if one or two people like that, they’ll take you as a role model. And if they don’t like it, they won’t.“
The national player is all about authenticity: „I don’t want to please people with a style that isn’t mine. I want to be who I am. I’m aware that I might offend people sometimes, but it’s not worth pretending because of that.“
Ambition a virtue for Kimmich
Kimmich is also accused of often wanting too much on the pitch and therefore getting in his own way. Is he too ambitious? The Bayern star doesn’t share this opinion: „That’s something that’s interpreted from the outside. For me, that’s my way.“
Kimmich’s path led him from VfB Stuttgart’s youth training centre via the then second division club RB Leipzig to FC Bayern. At the record champions, he quickly made the leap into the national team.
Looking back on these stations, Kimmich doesn’t want to see ambition as something negative: „I always had to work hard for everything. Of course, too much ambition can sometimes be harmful, but it’s a virtue for me that has brought me to where I am today.“
He provided insights into more difficult phases: „You know, I was never a high-flyer in my youth. I used to have physical disadvantages and usually started from the second row, so I know what it’s like to fight for something. I benefit from that today.“
Kimmich is now an eight-time German champion and Champions League winner. He is no longer so interested in outside opinions: „I’ve learnt to admit to myself that I can’t influence many things. What I can influence is what happens on the pitch or at home.“
Above all, his role as a family man has changed him: „There is no space that is filled by football. I enjoy that,“ said Kimmich, who now has four children.
