As of: February 26, 2024, 12:04 p.m
By: Luca Hartmann
Comments
Press
Split
Julian Nagelsmann will not let Joshua Kimmich play in central midfield at the home European Championships.
According to the national coach, Toni Kross's personality doesn't play a role.
Munich – The first personnel decision for the home European Championships has been made!
National coach Julian Nagelsmann will not rely on Joshua Kimmich in central midfield.
Toni Kroos, on the other hand, should give the DFB team stability in midfield.
Almost four months before the opening game against Scotland, Nagelsmann announced his plans in an interview with Der
Spiegel
.
Kimmich again as a right-back under Nagelsmann
In order to have as successful a European Championship as possible in front of the home crowd, Nagelsmann has now finally ordered Kimmich back to his unpopular right-back position.
Kimmich had held this role in the national team, among other things, at his first major tournament during the European Championships in 2016, but in the following years he moved into the central midfield as a six at both FC Bayern and in the national team.
He himself repeatedly emphasized that he felt most comfortable there.
“Of course, every player has a favorite position.
If I asked Manuel Neuer, he would definitely want to play the director in midfield.
But he is much better as a goalkeeper.
What I want to say is: With the national team you have to be subordinate.
You are a servant for your country.
That’s Kimmich,” Nagelsmann explained his decision.
Nagelsmann had already announced in December that he would possibly use Kimmich as a right-back again.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann (from left) will use Joshua Kimmich as a right-back at the home European Championships.
However, the return of Toni Kroos plays no role.
© IMAGO / Laci Perenyi and IMAGO / ActionPictures
Kroos' return has no impact on Kimmich's position
Kimmich's transfer back to the right defensive side has nothing to do with Toni Kroos' return to the national team.
“He
(Kimmich, editor’s note)
would also have played at right back if Kroos hadn’t returned,” Nagelsmann clarified.
Like Kimmich at Bayern, Kroos occupies the midfield central position at Real Madrid - and will now do so again in the national team.
“He will fit perfectly into the team we have in mind as a link player in midfield.
He will be good for us with his experience and routine,” praised Nagelsmann Kroos.
He can “keep calm even in a tight European Championship game” and you can “always play him under pressure,” Nagelsmann continued.
My news
Andreas Brehme (†63): Read what is known about the cause of death
When and where will the European Championship 2024 take place?
All stages and dates at a glance
German national team at the 2024 European Championship: When the DFB team will play read
Andi Brehme's biggest mistake - which later became a business model
Title 911, Italy legend, Hoeneß dispute: The life of Andi Brehme in pictures
Investor deal in the Bundesliga collapsed: DFL officially withdraws
Nagelsmann is planning with Kroos at the 2024 European Championship: “It will be good for us”
Kroos actually ended his national team career after the 2021 European Championships after 106 international matches - but he is now putting on the DFB jersey again for the home European Championships.
“With each subsequent conversation I sensed an increasing enthusiasm from him to be there at the home European Championships and to support us, despite his actual resignation,” revealed Nagelsmann.
However, Nagelsmann does not share the fears of some fans and experts that Kroos' return could have a negative impact on the hierarchy structure or the mood in the dressing room.
“I spoke to many players on the phone in advance and listened carefully to see if anyone might have a problem with Kroos,” revealed the national coach.
That was not the case: “On the contrary!
Everyone was very positive.”
In the interview, Nagelsmann also revealed that there could be some surprises in the European Championship squad.
(LuHa)