Joshua Kimmich Says Bayern Form Will Shape His Germany Future
Joshua Kimmich has insisted that his focus remains unchanged amid renewed scrutiny of his role for Germany, saying performances for Bayern Munich will determine whether he stays at the centre of the national team’s plans.
The 31-year-old captain addressed the discussion after Bayern’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw away to Augsburg on Saturday. Former Germany internationals Oliver Kahn, Lothar Matthäus and Michael Ballack were among those to question whether Kimmich should continue as an automatic starter after encouraging international displays from younger midfield options.
Kimmich said he had not closely followed the reaction during the latest international break, although he was aware that the issue had become prominent. “I have been in this business for 11 years and I know how it works,” he said. “I can only concentrate on my own game. That is what I have done throughout that time, and it is what I will continue to do.”
He added that selection should be decided by merit, arguing that the strongest players will ultimately be picked. Kimmich said his aim was to remain among that group by producing the required level every three days for Bayern.
International rotation prompts debate
The debate followed Jürgen Klopp’s decision to use Kimmich only in Germany’s first two fixtures of the window, against the Netherlands and Greece. Germany then won 2-0 against Serbia without the Bayern midfielder, as Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof received significant praise for their work in midfield.
That selection was interpreted in some quarters as a possible move towards a younger core, but Kimmich rejected the idea that he had been abruptly sidelined. He said the arrangement had been clearly explained by Klopp and the coaching staff before the matches.
“No, not at all,” Kimmich said when asked whether he required a more public defence from the Germany manager. “He stated the situation as it was. It was clear from the beginning, it was communicated and the reasons were explained. I understood it and was comfortable with it.”
Kimmich did acknowledge that he would have liked to remain with the squad for longer, particularly after Jamal suffered an injury. “He had been intended for both weeks,” Kimmich said. “I thought perhaps that could create an opening and another opportunity.”
Bayern return and European assignment
The draw at Augsburg was an unwelcome domestic result for Vincent Kompany’s side, but it gave Kimmich another chance to underline his value during a demanding run of fixtures. His club form is likely to carry particular weight as Germany prepare for their next major tournament.
Bayern now switch attention from the Bundesliga to the Champions League, with an away fixture against Viking scheduled for midweek.
