By now, all Bayern Munich fans will likely know that Joshua Kimmich wishes to play every single minute available. The Bavarians’ vice captain has been called up to represent Germany in their friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, the last two friendlies before the World Cup is to begin. Though these matches are not competitive fixtures, Kimmich emphasized the importance of these games and let out a little steam along the way.
“In the situation we’re in, these matches are very important. The last
few international games haven’t been consistently positive, so every game is good for us. I believe that with more games, the team will grow even closer. That’s why it’s also important that we have everyone available; every withdrawal is a blow,” Germany’s captain emphasized in an interview with German news site SWR Aktuell, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “The March internationals come before a crucial phase of the season, so some players might think, ‘Come on, I’ll just skip a game!’ – That can’t happen with us. It’s unacceptable that anyone doesn’t want to play for the national team. It’s very special to play for Germany. That’s why we all have to go there and be excited. We have to be eager to develop further as a team so that we can play a role at the World Cup.”
The March international break is always subject to many players bowing out to work on their fitness or recover from an injury. Even a good many Germany players have done the same. Whether or not they would have been capable of lining up for their respective countries, there is the underlying feeling that not every player believes in the importance of playing these matches.
But Kimmich does. He is laser focused on ensuring the team benefits as much as it can from the two upcoming matches.
