Nagelsmann described Kimmich as a “role model for the whole group” during a press conference held in advance of Germany’s Nations League match against Hungary on Saturday in Duesseldorf.
According to Nagelsmann, “He continually offers his all, he always wants to train—sometimes too much—he is never tired, and he always wants to win.” Together with Kai Havertz of Arsenal and Antonio Ruediger of Real Madrid, Kimmich, 29, was ranked “number one” in a player leadership group, according to Nagelsmann. The coach went on to say that all three of them had a “good connection” with the other players.
Ilkay Gundogan, who led Germany as captain at Euro 2024 on home soil until quitting the national team in August, is replaced by Kimmich. One of the most seasoned players in the nation, Kimmich has led Germany as vice-captain since September 2023 after being elevated to the position after Gundogan by former coach Hansi Flick.
Due to the retirement of 2014 World Cup champions Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, Manuel Neuer, and Gundogan from international duty in recent weeks, the midfielder will be expected to guide a new generation of German football players.
Along with Timo Werner and Serge Gnabry from the national team, Kimmich began his career in the Stuttgart development system. In 2013, he transferred to RB Leipzig, and in 2015, he joined Bayern.
Since making his debut for Germany in 2016, he has gone on to participate in 91 games and score six goals. Although the 29-year-old has always wanted to play in midfield for both Bayern and Germany, he has frequently been used as a right back after spending the entirety of Euro 2024 in that role.
Kimmich has been compared to Philipp Lahm, a former Bayern defender who captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and spent his whole playing career with the Bavarian team. On September 10, Germany travels to Amsterdam to play the Netherlands following their match against Hungary.
References and Citation
channelstv.com – ‘Role Model’ Kimmich To Take Over As Germany Captain
msn.com – Kimmich named new Germany captain after Gundogan’s retirement
flashscore.co.uk – ‘Role model’ Kimmich to take over from Gundogan as Germany captain
espn.com – Joshua Kimmich appointed Germany captain after Euro 2024