Before the international match against Bosnia, Joshua Kimmich talks about his future at FC Bayern. The national player also takes a stand on the political situation in Germany and praises the World Cup in Qatar.
When the German national players entered the training ground at the DFB campus in Frankfurt on Wednesday, two players were missing. Florian Wirtz and Angelo Stiller had to pass, which is why their appearance in the Nations League game on Saturday against Bosnia-Herzegovina (8.45 p.m./RTL) in Freiburg is becoming increasingly unlikely. Wirtz has an infection, Stiller even left due to muscular problems. National coach Julian Nagelsmann announced at the beginning of the week that he would pay particular attention to the fitness level of the players and, if necessary, want to rest them.
The rest of the team, i.e. the other 18 field players and three goalkeepers, completed the training session, which was not accessible to the media or fans. Joshua Kimmich, who took a seat in the media room afterwards, reported on a good session, although he and his team were defeated in the final game.
It was just a side note at a half-hour press conference on Wednesday, the day of niceties, with the captain of the German selection, who had dinner together in a Frankfurt restaurant the evening before. In a pleasant atmosphere, as Kimmich reported. According to the FC Bayern professional, you could once again feel how good the climate within the national team was. “Everyone likes coming here,” said Kimmich, but also added: “A good atmosphere stands or falls with victories.” Which have happened more frequently recently. Of the 13 international matches so far in the 2024 calendar year, only one was lost – the European Championship quarter-final against Spain (1:2).
Like the national coach, who had sat on the podium two days earlier, Kimmich was also asked on Wednesday about topics that lie outside of sport: the result of the US election, the upcoming awarding of the 2034 World Cup, probably in Saudi Arabia (only applicant) will take place, and the government crisis in Germany.
Kimmich praises Qatar World Cup
Kimmich, 29 years old, didn’t back down. But like Nagelsmann, he made it a point not to exaggerate football and its power. Of course, he said, he also considers it desirable to create a positive atmosphere with two good international matches (the second takes place on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. in Hungary, which ZDF will broadcast). “In general, I believe that we players should stand up for certain values. But often it is not our job to express ourselves politically. We have experts in the association and in politics for that,” said Kimmich – and recalled the World Cup in Qatar at the end of 2022, where the picture was not good. “As players, we were robbed of some of the joy of the tournament, which was well organized and had top stadiums. We couldn’t enjoy the tournament that much because there was a debate,” said Kimmich – and added: “I do have the feeling that we in Germany or Western countries represent views that we believe are universal and you should feel them everywhere. We have our own construction sites, so sometimes it’s good to concentrate on that.”
At the World Cup almost two years ago, the DFB entourage caused a lot of fuss around the captain’s armband issue. When the world association FIFA banned the wearing of the “One Love armband”, an alternative gesture was sought as a symbol against discrimination. Before the first group game against Japan (1:2), the German starting eleven demonstratively covered their mouths. After the tournament, in which the German team was eliminated in the preliminary round, players reported how “stressful” the debate had been and how much it had “annoyed” them.
Kimmich emphasized several times on Wednesday that it is important and right for players to stand up for certain values and human rights. In the end, at a tournament you are measured by your sporting success. With regard to the upcoming two international matches, which are taking place at a time when there is great unrest in German politics, the Munich defensive player said: “I believe that we as a team have the chance to bring joy to people, especially when “It’s not going well politically.” The 29-year-old reported that there was a good exchange within the team about topics outside of football. “But it is difficult to reveal your opinion publicly. “You don’t even want it,” said the 95-time national player. During conversations at the dinner table you would also notice that “we are more footballers and not politicians”.
Future at FC Bayern
And as far as football is concerned, Kimmich made it known that they would do everything they could to finish top of the group in the Nations League – and then try to qualify for the Final Four tournament in June via two quarter-final games in March next year. “If you want to be successful at a big tournament, it’s not decided at the tournament, but on the way there,” said Kimmich, referring to the Spaniards, who won the Nations League and then also the European Championship title.
Before Joshua Kimmich went back to the team headquarters on Wednesday, he was asked again about his future. And even then it became clear. He said he was in contact with the club. “That will continue to be the case. I will share my thoughts with the club,” said the father of four, whose contract runs until June 2025. “But we also know what my situation was eight to ten weeks ago. You had the feeling: When will the Kimmich finally be gone? Now you can see how fast things move in football. Now things look completely different.” Kimmich spoke of an “important decision in my career. That should be carefully considered.” Clear words.
