FC Bayern Joshua Kimmich eyes chance as Eberl slams absurd debate

Joshua Kimmich’s place in the German national side dominated talk during the international break. After FC Bayern’s 2‑2 draw with FC Augsburg, both Kimmich and sporting director Max Eberl issued statements. The Bayern midfielder said the match gave him a chance to re‑assert his value, especially after Jamal Musiala’s injury opened a potential opening.

Match performance and immediate reaction

The encounter finished level at 2‑2, and Kimmich delivered a solid Leistung in central midfield, partnering Aleksandar Pavlovic as usual. Observers noted his work rate helped Bayern stay competitive in the wild game.

Nine days earlier, Kimmich had been part of Germany’s 0‑1 defeat to Greece in Augsburg, a performance described as highly unlucky. Following that match he departed as scheduled in the squad rotation.

During his absence, fellow Bayern players Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof were praised in the German midfield. The episode sparked lively debate among fans and pundits about whether the national side still required Kimmich.

Debate over national team future

"Ehrlicherweise habe ich es gar nicht verfolgt. Aber man kriegt ja trotzdem mit, dass ein bisschen was los war," Kimmich said on his Augsburg return. He added that after eleven years in the DFB set‑up, his only focus remains his performance.

Fellhauer's early goal gives Augsburg the edge against Bayern

"I have followed that the qualities of Joshua Kimmich were being questioned. I find that absolutely absurd," Max Eberl said. "He is a leader who goes ahead, the face of a team that has struggled in recent tournaments, and an outstanding German player," he continued.

Kimmich publicly and internally expressed a strong wish to remain with the national team after the Greece mishap. Coach Jürgen Klopp answered with a flippant remark, “The more you ask, the less likely you get what you want,” which Kimmich said did not upset him.

The chance to stay materialised after the opening international against the Netherlands ended 1‑1, when Musiala’s planned two‑week involvement was halted by a muscle‑fibre tear. Kimmich then suffered his own muscle‑fibre tear while warming up and had to leave, later reflecting, “After that I thought: Jamal was planned for both weeks, maybe another door will open.”

Bayern suffer record six‑second opening goal at Augsburg

Aside from Finn Dahmen, Nico Schlotterbeck and Serge Gnabry, the squad swap left only three debutants – Philipp Treu, Yannik Engelhardt and Bambase Conte – in the German set‑up.