Joshua Kimmich spoke to the media ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, emphasizing the need for balance between maintaining Bayern’s identity and adapting to Madrid’s unique strengths.
“For us, every match is one where we have to show our identity. Our style of play. Real Madrid has a unique way of playing… because they can hurt you in many ways. And you can’t play them like you would anyone else; you have to adapt. But without forgetting your own potential. What you want
to do.”
Kimmich also revisited Bayern’s previous encounters with Real Madrid, pointing to fine margins and missed opportunities.
“We could have gotten more in the first leg of the last semifinals we played against them; more than a 2-2 draw. In the second leg, we started the second half better, but I had the feeling they were too far from their goal, yet they only got two chances… and look what happened. We went home angry. But the situation is different now. We’ve often been missing many important players, but this time we’re all here. And about that incident… sometimes it gets blown out of proportion. Real Madrid knows how to manage situations, and at that moment, it was going in Madrid’s favor. That’s all.”
The Bayern midfielder highlighted the significance of playing at the Bernabéu, a venue he described as both special and punishing.
“The crowd here is special; it’s an incredible crowd and stadium. We’ve played some great matches here and come away empty-handed. But this time we’ll be playing the second leg at home, and that changes everything a bit. It’s not the first match… so, well, we’ll see how it goes.”
Reflecting on Real Madrid’s recent performances, Kimmich admitted that their ability to defy expectations remains unmatched.
“Yes, I’ve seen the highlights (of Real Madrid vs Manchester City). On the one hand, it was surprising; but not really. Because it’s Real Madrid. And as I said… at the Bernabéu, it seems like different rules apply. We all expected City to dominate the game, but… the final result was impressive. There have been close ties, but this one was very decisive. We didn’t expect it, but we know what Real Madrid is capable of.”
Kimmich stressed that both tactical execution and mentality will be decisive.
“Both (tactics and mentality are important). You have to be at your best in both areas to beat Real Madrid. We’re all in great shape and we’re really looking forward to playing this match, because as a footballer, the greatest thing is to do it.”
Despite recent eliminations at the hands of Los Blancos, Kimmich framed this tie as a fresh opportunity.
“It’s special to play against Real Madrid. For me, they and we are the biggest clubs in the world. But I have to be honest: our last few matches weren’t very good for us. They knocked us out. But as I said, we had a lot of players out, and then there’s the second leg at the Bernabéu. Tomorrow’s match is the first leg, it’s not decisive. And not everything will be decided tomorrow.”
He also praised Kompany’s approach and the team’s mindset heading into the match.
“Kompany doesn’t differentiate much between the importance of the matches. He wants us all to have that great mental attitude, to know that it’s a Champions League quarter-final and this isn’t something you play every day. We’re looking forward to it with great interest, with a lot of enthusiasm. I was here as a kid and I already thought… ‘wow’, amazing. To be able to be here, playing a few years later, is incredible. These are the moments we train hard for every day. And we hope to be able to show it.”
On Real Madrid’s attacking stars, Kimmich singled out Kylian Mbappé for praise.
“Mbappé is a player capable of helping any team. He has tremendous qualities and is very important for Real Madrid. Especially this season, when it seemed like things weren’t going well for them. I’ve faced him many times, both at PSG and with France, and he has a lot of talent.”
Finally, Kimmich emphasized the collective nature of the challenge Bayern face.
“We’re not going to play one-on-one (me vs Vinicius); it’s one team against another. And that’s the beauty of team sports. Regardless of Mbappé or Vinicius, Real Madrid has excellent players… and we must be a team. We must act as a group. We have a lot of respect for Real Madrid, but we have a lot of confidence in our own game.”
