Surprising statement from Klopp: Bayern star Kimmich remains tight-lipped | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich is considered one of the most important players on the German national team and is likely to play a central role under new national team coach Jürgen Klopp as well. This makes a recent statement by the Bayern star during the record champion’s tour of Asia all the more surprising.

FC Bayern is currently in South Korea and Hong Kong as part of the Audi Summer Tour. In addition to training sessions, the schedule includes numerous PR events through which the Munich club aims to further expand its international presence.

At a media event in South Korea, Kimmich also spoke about the new national team coach—and revealed that he has not yet had a personal conversation with Klopp.

Kimmich is still waiting for their first conversation

“I haven’t spoken with Klopp yet,” the DFB captain told the South Korean edition of FourFourTwo magazine.

At the same time, the 31-year-old made it clear what will matter most to him under the new national team coach: “If I have the opportunity to work with him, I want to achieve results that German soccer fans can be proud of.”

These cautious remarks are certainly surprising. Following the disappointing performance at the World Cup, a fresh start—both in terms of personnel and on the field—is expected under Klopp. Despite the announced shake-up, Kimmich is still considered one of the DFB squad’s key players.

Klopp is counting on the Bayern core

Photo: IMAGO

Recently, several FC Bayern officials had already spoken positively about Klopp’s appointment. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen expressed his conviction that the new national team coach would rely on the quality of Bayern’s professionals to achieve success. Sports Director Max Eberl also stated that Klopp would bring new momentum to German soccer, but emphasized at the same time that the former Liverpool coach could not manage this fresh start on his own.

Kimmich, for his part, is focusing entirely on FC Bayern for the time being. In Asia, the German record champions have friendly matches scheduled against Jeju SK and Europa League champions Aston Villa, before returning to begin preparations for the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund.

Kimmich’s first training camp with Jürgen Klopp is expected to take place in late September, when the German national team returns to action in the Nations League.