Bayern Star in the Spotlight: Klopp Makes His First Decision as Germany’s National Team Coach | OneFootball

With Jürgen Klopp at the helm, a new era is beginning at the German Football Association (DFB). Following the disappointing World Cup elimination against Paraguay, the national team is facing a major overhaul in both personnel and strategy. One of the new national team coach’s first decisions concerns none other than Joshua Kimmich—and is likely to be met with approval at FC Bayern as well.

Together with the DFB’s new chief executive, Per Mertesacker, Klopp is tasked with leading the national team back to the top of international soccer. Even before the first international match under his leadership takes place, the 59-year-old has already defined a clear priority, according to Sky.

Accordingly, the search for a long-term right-back is at the top of his agenda.

Klopp plans to deploy Kimmich in midfield

As the pay-TV network reports, Klopp attaches particular importance to the fullback positions. The new national team coach sees an urgent need for action, especially on the right side.

This has direct implications for Joshua Kimmich. Unlike under Julian Nagelsmann, the Bayern captain is no longer expected to play as a right-back in the future. Instead, Klopp plans to deploy the 31-year-old in central midfield—the position where Kimmich has consistently delivered his strongest performances for FC Bayern for years.

This development is likely to be very welcome news for the record champions. The debate over Kimmich’s best position has followed the national team player for years. Klopp now appears to have settled this question early on.

Brown impresses at the World Cup as a left back

Photo: Getty Images

According to Sky, in his search for a new right-back, Klopp is looking not only at established professionals but also at the DFB’s youth teams. The 59-year-old is reportedly keeping a close eye on the national youth teams in particular to find suitable candidates for the future.

On the left side of the defense, however, the situation appears to be much clearer. Bayern’s new signing, Nathaniel Brown, has firmly established himself with his strong performances at the World Cup. The left-back is also considered a promising candidate for a starting spot under Klopp.

This means that in the future, two Bayern pros could play key roles on the DFB team: Kimmich as the strategic playmaker in central midfield and Brown as the long-term solution at left back. On the right side, however, Klopp appears to be starting the search for a completely new player—an area that has been a challenge for the DFB for several years now.