FC Bayern – Joshua Kimmich for Dietmar Hamann no six: “Never played differently”

Former national player Dietmar Hamann has commented on the debate about Joshua Kimmich’s position at Bayern and in the German national team. The TV expert called for the defensive midfielder to rethink.

“He’s not a six for me. Kimmich has never played any other way,” said Hamann im picture-Podcast “Bayern Insider” and added: “Sometimes it gets lost with Bayern if you don’t keep your position because they are just so dominant in the Bundesliga. In the Champions League it’s often punished.”

Criticism of Kimmich had increased recently, according to which he would too often neglect his defensive role and turn to the offensive too much. Some experts, including Markus Babbel, put forward the thesis that this behavior would also lead to goals being conceded by the German record champions and the national team.

According to Hamann, Kimmich is simply “not a defensive player, he never was.” Another circumstance also describes this very well, explained the Liverpool legend: “I also only know a few sixes who shoot free kicks and corners. He sees himself as an offensive player. I don’t think he plays differently now either was the case a year or two ago.”

Hamann advised FCB coach Julian Nagelsmann and national coach Hansi Flick to suggest to Kimmich that he rethink his style of play. “The easiest thing would be to tell him that he has to hold his position and take a step back for the team’s success,” he said: “I think he can. That’s why he still won’t be a defensive player, but that would be it a step forward.”

Nagelsmann himself supported Kimmich on Thursday at the press conference before the game against Bayer Leverkusen (8.30 p.m. in the live ticker). The 27-year-old is “an important player for us and for the national team. He has my full trust. He knows what I’m asking of him and what I want to see.”