“Klopp needs to step in!”: Criticism of Kimmich is growing louder | OneFootball

Criticism of Joshua Kimmich continues unabated following the German national team’s disappointing start under Jürgen Klopp. After the 0–1 loss to Greece, Mario Basler has now also taken aim at the DFB captain.

Dietmar Hamann had already voiced criticism of Kimmich recently. Basler is now also taking a hard line against the 31-year-old and questioning his role on the national team.

On the podcast “Basler ballert,” the former Bayern pro criticized Kimmich’s influence on Germany’s play in particular. In his view, the midfielder is given too much freedom, which at times slows down the team’s pace.

Basler: “Kimmich is not a world-class player.”

“Kimmich isn’t a world-class player. He’s a regular midfielder, but it feels like he wants to take every corner kick, every free kick—everything—and is bouncing all over the place,” Basler explained.

The 1996 European champion is particularly bothered by how often the German team’s play revolves around the Bayern star.

“It feels like Kimmich has the most touches in every game because he’s running all over the place. Everyone passes him the ball right away. I don’t know why. But nothing came of it with Kimmich.”

Kimmich himself had already been critical of his performance after the loss to Greece. Among other things, the DFB captain admitted to a turnover that had led to a dangerous situation. He also deflected the ball on the Greeks’ decisive goal.

“Jürgen Klopp will have to step in on that in the future.”

Photo: IMAGO

Basler therefore also directs his criticism at national team coach Klopp. In his view, Klopp needs to change the Bayern player’s role.

“I think Jürgen Klopp needs to step in here in the future, because this style of soccer won’t get us anywhere if Kimmich dribbles the ball through the midfield and slows down the game.”

It remains to be seen whether Klopp actually plans to make changes to Kimmich’s role. When he took office, the national team coach made it clear that he sees the Bayern star in central midfield and thinks highly of his experience and quality.

Kimmich won’t be playing in the next two Nations League matches anyway. He was scheduled to play in the first two matches of this international break, after which he’ll return to Munich.

Nevertheless, the public debate is likely to continue to follow him. After Lothar Matthäus and Hamann, Basler is now the next prominent former national team player to voice clear criticism of Kimmich.