German national team captain Joshua Kimmich is back playing right-back for his country. The Bayern Munich professional – famously ardent about the fact that he prefers to play in midfield – laughe...
German national team captain Joshua Kimmich is back playing right-back for his country. The Bayern Munich professional – famously ardent about the fact that he prefers to play in midfield – laughed off questions about Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to move him back to the defensive line last night.
Some 18 months ago, Kimmich returning to the right back role was absolutely not a laughing matter. Nagelsmann – some six months after taking the German national team job – once famously quipped that Kimmich had to “subordinate himself for country“.
Kimmich nevertheless seemed to have no problems talking about his latest right-back deployment when speaking to journalists in the mixed zone after Germany’s 4-0 win over Luxembourg in a Sinsheim-hosted World Cup qualifier.
Germany’s dire need at the right-back position means that Kimmich must “subordinate” his personal wishes once again. The now 30-year-old at least now knows how to maintain his sense of humor about it.
“That’s great,” Kimmich responded when a reporter pointed out that his latest move out of the midfield constituted a big topic. “That means you don’t have to ask any questions about it.“
“In goal,” Kimmich answered when the same reporter asked him what his favorite position to play in was.
Kimmich then needed to wait a few seconds while the laughter among the assembled members died down.
“There’s no need for him [Nagelsmann] to make a [permanent] decision,” Kimmich continued. “If he [Nagelsmann] needs me there for the team or for the [tactical] constellation, he doesn’t have to ask.
“He doesn’t have to make a decision,” Kimmich concluded. “I can play in both positions. He can set it up in accordance with what’s needed against the opponent. Whatever is needed.“
Category: General Sports
