As of: March 6, 2024, 7:51 p.m
By: Philipp Kuserau
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Joshua Kimmich showed great improvement in the win against Lazio Rome.
However, when asked about his role in the team, he reacts irritably.
Munich – From Harakiri back to the red and white ballet?
Admittedly, to compare FC Bayern's convincing performance in the 3-0 win against Lazio Rome with a ballet performance would be a clear exaggeration.
Nevertheless, the way the Munich team played was reminiscent of times when such evenings were almost the norm in the premier class and Bayern were also called the “white ballet” because of their white away jerseys.
Kimmich was once again in action as a right-back against Lazio
The relief at reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League was evident on the faces of the players and Bayern officials after the final whistle.
Thomas Müller again made loose comments in the interview, Thomas Tuchel joked about his big toe, which he apparently broke during the motivational speech before the game.
And even Joshua Kimmich had a smile on his face again, even if it was only a slightly annoyed one.
The 29-year-old was again called up to the right-back position by Tuchel in the second leg against Lazio - despite a poor performance by his standards in the disappointing 2-2 draw in Freiburg.
When asked about the interaction in the back four, Kimmich replied in the mixed zone after the game: “Of course we had the ball a lot. Nevertheless, the communication was quite good.
I think Eric and Matthijs, the two half-siblings, get along quite well too.
And so it actually went quite well.”
Kimmich counters the reporter's question: "Would you answer it for me?"
The national player showed a decent performance as a right-back on Tuesday evening.
However, Leon Goretzka and youngster Aleksandar Pavlović also played well in his favorite position in midfield.
It will therefore be exciting to see which line-up Tuchel decides on in the future once more options are available again with Noussair Mazraoui and Konrad Laimer.
Will Kimmich remain a right-back or will he move back to midfield?
Will Tuchel even put him in the starting line-up?
Joshua Kimmich played again at right-back against Lazio Rome.
© IMAGO/ULMER
“That you don’t get bored with this question yourself,” replied Kimmich when asked where he sees his role in the team in the future.
Annoyed, but also smiling, he continues: “You know my answer.
You can choose it in every interview.
Please answer for me!
Now what’s my answer to that?”
My news
Possible Bayern opponents in the Champions League quarter-finals: a hammer draw is now almost certain
International press reviews on the win against Lazio Rome: Read “Bayern’s devastating answer”.
Individual criticism: Three Bayern stars secure top marks against Lazio
Over 100 million euros: windfall for FC Bayern in the Champions Leagueread
Tuchel is injured during the Bayern speech: “It cost me my big toe” read
Resolute at the back, “like a striker” at the front: Bayern’s “half-siblings” are keeping tight
Laimer and Mazraoui as competitors?
Kimmich has to fight for playing time
“You always want to play,” replies a reporter.
"No matter where.
I'm always happy to be on the pitch.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s on the right or in the middle,” Kimmich concludes.
As grotesque as it may sound, it currently seems as if Kimmich has to accept the fight with Laimer and Mazraoui for playing time as a right-back, otherwise there is a risk of a place on the bench.
Because the midfield axis of Goretzka and Pavlović seems to be set for now under Tuchel.
(kus)