Jürgen Klopp has once again pushed back against attempts to frame Germany’s impressive new-look midfield as evidence against national team captain Joshua Kimmich.
The debate intensified after Germany’s convincing 2-0 victory over Serbia, during which Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz combined to produce comfortably the strongest midfield performance of Klopp’s short tenure.
Klopp had already bristled when the subject first arose after the match, with questions surrounding Kimmich’s future role becoming an increasingly prominent talking point.
Asked again about the matter on Saturday, the Bundestrainer – already in something of a playful mood – made clear with a humorous bent just how difficult he believes it is to discuss the issue without creating a larger story.
“Of course you can tell that it’s extremely difficult for me to say anything about that,” Klopp said after a reporter noted that he had sensed trouble when previously answering a question about Kimmich. “Because you want to make a story out of it. We played a good game. Our midfield [trio] was top class.”
“But can you imagine how shitty it would be if Germany had three, and only three, top class midfielders,” Klopp continued. “Why make it about one player when it’s just about the fact that we need several good players? We need all sorts of players. We need leaders. We need runners. We need everything. It was a loaded question. I understand that it’s a logical and normal question, but I think it’s come too soon.”
Klopp: “I officially give up”
The former Liverpool coach has repeatedly stressed that he wants Germany to function in a variety of personnel combinations rather than become dependent upon one particular midfield configuration. Saturday’s comments represented perhaps his clearest attempt yet to shut down the idea that Kimmich’s absence from the Serbia win should be interpreted as evidence that Germany are preparing to move beyond their captain.
“I’m very satisfied with all the lads,” Klopp continued. “I’m looking forward to the future and I hope we have [a large] selection. I just don’t stand a chance with that question without you guys making something out of it. I give up. Seriously. Officially. With respect that topic, I give up. Do what you want with it. I’m happy with the game and I’m happy that Joshua Kimmich is a leading player for Germany.”
