“Intentional injury!” Breitner criticizes Kimmich in vaccination debate

Bayern legend Paul Breitner went tough in the vaccination debate with Joshua Kimmich. The 70-year-old cannot understand the national player’s waiver.

“I don’t need to discuss with anyone whether they should get vaccinated or not. For me there is only one direction to get vaccinated. And it’s not about being a role model, it’s about the individual,” said Breitner at the “Sunday regulars table” of the BR television and added: “If he decides against it, then I have zero understanding for it.”

The debate about Kimmich “basically has nothing to do with being a role model, it’s about him,” explained the 1974 world champion.

Breitner also referred to a statement by Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp. At the beginning of October, he drew a comparison in the discussion that denying a vaccination against Corona was just as irresponsible as drinking and driving.

“By that he meant and perhaps could have said: Not to be vaccinated is potential, willful bodily harm,” said Breitner. He also noted that unvaccinated players would not play on a team he trained.

Kimmich had confirmed last weekend after the 4-0 win against TSG Hoffenheim that he did not want to be vaccinated for the time being. He has “a few personal concerns, especially when it comes to the lack of long-term studies,” said the 26-year-old.

Podolski supports Kimmich in the vaccination debate

As a result, a debate about Kimmich’s decision broke out. Chancellor Angela Merkel also expressed herself and hopes for a rethink from Kimmich.

Lukas Podolski, however, defended Kimmich. “Everyone can decide for themselves what to do, and I don’t understand why Joshua Kimmich is portrayed as a serious criminal,” said the ex-international in an interview with the image-Newspaper.