As Jurgen Klopp commences his first press conference as new coach of the German national team, speculation has already emerged about what he plans to change. One major topic in the last World Cup was the role of Joshua Kimmich and whether he should play as right-back or in midfield. Klopp, it seems, is determined to find a solution to that issue.
According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky (via @iMiaSanMia), the former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC manager no longer wants Kimmich to be the starting
right-back. To that end, he is going to monitor youth national teams in search of the right player who fits the profile of a replacement. Anyone who is familiar with Klopp teams will know how much emphasis he places on the fullback positions.
This would mean that, for the first time since his tournament debut in Euro 2016, Joshua Kimmich is going to be released from the shackles of right-back and allowed to play more centrally. This could be a major boon to the German national team, provided that:
- The prospective right-back replacement is actually any good.
- Joshua Kimmich is retained as a midfielder in the new setup.
If either of these conditions are not met, things could get rather messy.
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