You’ve had a successful few weeks with Bayern. What can the national team learn from FC Bayern?
Kimmich: “I’ve already mentioned what’s important in terms of a team – and I believe we’re on the right track. However, the comparison is a bit flawed. If, for example, Harry Kane and Michael Olise were injured, that would also change Bayern’s game. That’s also the case with the national team when key players are out, even if the pool of players to draw from might be bigger”
But it’s noticeable that you consistently play one system at Bayern, while the national team is much more experimental. Do you wish for more continuity there?
Kimmich: “I’m convinced and know that the coach has a good instinct when it comes to that.”
When players get injured, opportunities arise for other players. Is Serge Gnabry, who fought back after Jamal Musiala’s injury, a good example of that?
Kimmich: “Absolutely. We were talking earlier about how it’s supposedly never been easier to become a national team player. If I apply that to Bayern, it was never so easy to get game time before the season. When I came to Bayern at 20, there were 23 players in the squad and there were only three substitutions per game. I always had to cross the fingers that we would be 4-0 up at halftime so that I could play. (laughs) It’s always worth working hard all year round. Of course, every player depends on the coach, who has to give them the chances. Serge got them, even though things didn’t go so well at the beginning. But the coach continued to trust him. Now he’s playing consistently very, very well.”
