From Lothar Matthäus’ point of view, Joshua Kimmich is the logical and right choice as the new captain of the German national football team. “His standing, his performance and his experience speak for themselves. He also puts his finger on the sore spot verbally and he is now even more allowed to do so as captain,” explained record national player Matthäus in his column for the TV channel Sky.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Monday that Kimmich will succeed İlkay Gündoğan, who has retired from the national team. For the first time since being appointed permanent captain by Nagelsmann, the 29-year-old FC Bayern Munich professional will lead the DFB team in the Nations League match against Hungary this Saturday.
“His relationship with Nagelsmann at the DFB is good, he is accepted and he will represent our country wonderfully on the field,” predicted Matthäus. The 1990 world champion also commented on the national coach’s decision to select Kimmich as a right-back rather than in defensive midfield.
“I prefer it when the captain plays in the center and not at the back,” emphasised the 63-year-old. Kimmich’s predecessor Philipp Lahm as right-back and Manuel Neuer as goalkeeper did a great job, Matthäus added. “If I could wish, however, then the coach’s extended arm should be in the middle of the action,” explained the former midfielder Matthäus. The nominations of Kai Havertz and Antonio Rüdiger as Kimmich’s deputies are also fine in his view.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240903-930-221249/1
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