Former DFB captains Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack criticize Kimmich
The former national team captains Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack sharply criticized the current debate about Joshua Kimmich. Ballack said on Sunday on RTL that Jürgen Klopp had taken the Bayern star out of the starting eleven for two games to test the group without him.
Ballack's criticism of Klopp's approach
"Klopp has sidelined him a bit for these two games to see how the group works without him," Ballack said on Sunday on RTL about the Bayern star, who unwillingly could not be in the second squad of national team coach Jürgen Klopp. He emphasized that this does not weaken Kimmich and that he currently sees no one who could replace him.
Ballack avoided the question of whether Kimmich is world‑class as a central midfielder, and instead rated him as stronger in the right‑back area. He explained that Kimmich, with all his qualities, is also "world‑class" in the right defensive game.
Kahn's view on Kimmich's challenge
Oliver Kahn still considers the DFB captain to be an important player, but emphasizes that after the change of national team coach everyone must re‑establish his status. He criticized that Kimmich is unlucky to be playing in not particularly successful national teams, which makes it harder for him to be seen as a leadership figure.
Kahn added that for a leader like Joshua it is important that teammates look up to him, and that the lack of corresponding successes makes his task especially difficult. He asked whether the current solution is optimal.
Jürgen Klopp said he is operating "dual‑track" and finds that perfectly fine, which means the discussion does not come at the right time. In his press conference on Saturday he dodged the question about Kimmich's future and said: "I give up. Do whatever you want."
In the 2‑0 win against Serbia, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof impressed, highlighting the competition for the central midfield position. This makes it harder for Kimmich to secure a regular spot.
The contrasting assessments of Ballack and Kahn show that Kimmich's role in the national team is heavily demanded both tactically and psychologically. The debate remains open as long as the coaches do not make a clear decision.