After the Ecuador setback: Matthäus speaks plainly about Kimmich | OneFootball

Following the German national team’s disappointing performance against Ecuador, there is renewed discussion about Joshua Kimmich’s role. Lothar Matthäus is now calling for a clear change.

The German national team suffered a significant setback in its final group stage match against Ecuador. Following the lackluster performance, Joshua Kimmich is once again coming under increased scrutiny.

The captain of the German national team continues to play as a right back at the World Cup. For Lothar Matthäus, that is now precisely the problem.

“Do him a favor and get him out of there,” the record-holding national team player demanded in BILD, addressing his words directly to national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Matthäus does not see Kimmich on the right side of the defense as being in the role where he can help the team the most. The 31-year-old, he said, does not have “the influence” there that he would expect from a captain.

Matthäus wants Kimmich in the center

From Matthäus’s perspective, Kimmich belongs back in central midfield. There, he plays at a world-class level for FC Bayern and can have a much greater influence on the team’s rhythm, structure, and leadership.

“Joshua isn’t on the field the way I’ve known him for years,” Matthäus explained.

He’s particularly concerned about the Bayern star’s body language and positioning. Kimmich is trying, “but he’s not where he needs to be.”

Matthäus added: “Based on his body language and positioning, I don’t see him as someone who leads the team or exerts influence when things aren’t going well.” On the right side of defense, he’s currently “somehow failing” to do that.

Nagelsmann is sticking to his plan

The debate is also being fueled by the fact that Germany’s defensive midfield duo once again failed to impress against Ecuador. Aleksandar Pavlovic had an off day and was substituted at halftime. Felix Nmecha, who had previously played a strong tournament, made a costly turnover before the equalizer.

Nagelsmann nevertheless stood by his midfielders and credited the duo with a “good” performance. He also pointed out that Kimmich had already delivered strong performances as a right back at Euro 2024.

Photo: IMAGO

The national team coach made it clear: “I don’t want to do without either Felix or Pavlo.”

The problem: The World Cup roster lacks a natural right back. Kimmich is therefore virtually irreplaceable in that position. While Nathaniel Brown could shift to the right in a pinch, that would mean David Raum would have to start on the left. Switching to a back three would also be an option.

Kimmich himself maintains his usual professional attitude. For him, it is “solely the coach’s decision” where he can best help the team: “That’s where he’ll put me. And that’s where I’ll play.”

Nagelsmann left at least a small backdoor open ahead of the round of 32. While another position change is “not planned,” he also emphasized: “In soccer, you should never rule anything out.”