Jürgen Klopp’s first DFB squad has been announced: A total of 45 players have been named, including Joshua Kimmich. The national team coach spoke at length about Joshua Kimmich during the press conference. The 58-year-old made it clear what role he envisions for the Bayern star: Kimmich is expected to play in midfield.
Joshua Kimmich is expected to play an important role on the national team under Jürgen Klopp as well. When asked what Klopp expects from Kimmich, the national team coach replied: “Top performance. Simply what he’s capable of.”
Kimmich must lead the way because of his experience: “Of course, a player with his experience and at his age has to lead the way—there’s no question about that,” Klopp emphasized.
At the same time, the new national team coach knows that the team must first adapt to his style of play. Ahead of their first match together against the Netherlands, tactical considerations are therefore a key focus.
“We also have to adapt to a new style of soccer. We have tactical issues that we need to address relatively quickly,” Klopp explained. In particular, this involves working on defense. “Stability comes only from the defense. How we work defensively—and for that, I need every single player. The key now is for us to commit to that. That applies to Jo, just as it does to everyone else, of course.”
Klopp therefore expects Kimmich to bring his full range of qualities to the table. “I simply expect him to fully bring his potential—which is undisputed—and the resulting quality to our team every single time. I have no doubts about that,” the national team coach clarified.
Kimmich is set to play in midfield
Klopp’s statement regarding the Bayern captain’s position is particularly interesting. In the past, Kimmich has been deployed both in midfield and as a right back. Under Klopp, the division of roles is apparently already clear.
When asked whether Kimmich will play in midfield, Klopp explained: “Well, that’s really how we’ve planned it now. In a discussion I had with my fellow coaches, he wasn’t even listed as a right back. That doesn’t mean I don’t understand why that was done in the past. He can play that position.”
Klopp’s plan, however, is clear: “But we see him as a midfielder.”
This means that, under Klopp, Kimmich is likely to be deployed once again in the position where he has been one of the team’s defining players for much of his career. At the same time, the 31-year-old faces an important task: As an experienced leader, he’s expected to help bring Klopp’s new playing philosophy to life on the field and provide the team with the stability it needs.