Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Joshua Kimmich will continue to play at right-back for the national team, despite being a natural central midfielder. Kimmich has been playing out of position since Nagelsmann took over, and it appears that this arrangement will continue for the foreseeable future. In an interview with the FAZ, Nagelsmann explained his reasoning behind keeping Kimmich at right-back.
“I have to weigh things up. What is the smaller need and what is the bigger need? At the moment, I can’t see a more stable right-back than Josh,” Nagelsmann said.
Nagelsmann acknowledged that Kimmich’s natural position is in central midfield but feels that the Bayern Munich star is better utilized at right-back for the national team.
“At the No. 6 position, I’ve got Pascal (Gross), Angelo (Stiller), ‘Pavlo’ (Aleksandar Pavlovic) when he’s fit, ‘Rob’ (Andrich), Felix (Nmecha) and other candidates,” Nagelsmann said.
Nagelsmann also praised Kimmich’s mentality and emotional investment in the team.
“Above all, Josh is a good example of the role that emotionality plays alongside quality,” Nagelsmann affirmed.
Kimmich’s versatility and willingness to adapt to different positions have made him a valuable asset to both Bayern Munich and the German national team. Germany will face Italy in a UEFA Nations League tie later this month, and Kimmich is expected to start at right-back. Despite being played out of position, Kimmich has consistently delivered strong performances for the national team, and Nagelsmann will be hoping for more of the same against Italy.
