A new role under Klopp? Here’s the plan for Joshua Kimmich | OneFootball

The German national team’s disappointing World Cup performance had consequences. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann was replaced by Jürgen Klopp, who is now expected to bring a sense of renewal. There will be changes—likely including some for Joshua Kimmich. 

Although this hasn’t been officially announced yet—and Klopp didn’t directly mention any names at his introductory press conference—the first indications are already emerging.

Klopp is expected to name his first roster in the second week of September. He’ll make his debut with the Nations League match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24. By then, he will have spoken with many of the players.

Kimmich: A New-Old Role with the DFB

It seems clear that there will continue to be a sort of “Bayern bloc” in the future. Rudi Völler has also already announced that Joshua Kimmich is to remain captain of the national team.

Photo: Getty Images

But what position will he play in the future? According to a BILD report, Klopp is in favor of national team players playing in the same positions they regularly play for their clubs.

This means that Kimmich will most likely return to central midfield. That’s where he has the greatest impact on the game. While he’s a good right back, he lacks speed in one-on-one situations, and he also has to keep moving into the center to make a meaningful impact.

A meeting with Kimmich is also scheduled for soon. The team leader knows exactly where the current squad stands and can serve as Klopp’s right-hand man on the field.

So a fresh start is just around the corner—with the Bayern star as the central anchor and a national team coach who is highly motivated but also demands the absolute best from his players. “Anyone who is eligible to play for Germany should give it their all, because I’ll be watching closely. The door to the team is open. Today marks a fresh start for everyone who’s up for it,” he explained during his introductory press conference.