Joshua Kimmich defends national team status amid criticism

Joshua Kimmich, captain of the German national football team, has responded to growing criticism regarding his role and future under head coach Jürgen Klopp. Following recent international matches where players like Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof impressed, former players including Oliver Kahn and Lothar Matthäus questioned Kimmich’s standing in the starting lineup.

Kimmich addressed the debate following a match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg, stating, “I have been part of this for eleven years, I know how the business works.” He emphasized that his focus remains solely on his individual performance, asserting that “in the end, the best players always play.”

Kimmich received strong support from FC Bayern Munich’s sporting director, Max Eberl, who described doubts about Kimmich’s qualities as “absolutely absurd,” calling him an outstanding leader. Additionally, former player Thomas Hitzlsperger warned that the unresolved debate regarding Kimmich’s status could become a significant issue for Klopp if not addressed quickly. Meanwhile, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed concerns regarding the overall leadership and direction of the national team during its current transition period.