Vaccination debate about Kimmich overshadows the premiere of the Bayern documentary

Updated October 26, 2021, 8:01 am

• The discussion about Joshua Kimmich’s vaccination status also overshadowed the premiere of the new FC Bayern documentary series.
• Ex-Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, honorary president Uli Hoeneß and Oliver Kahn and several players commented on Kimmich.
• Sports director Oliver Kahn once again clearly emphasizes the record champions’ attitude towards the vaccination against Corona.

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The debate about Joshua Kimmich’s vaccination status also overshadowed the premiere of the new FC Bayern documentary series.

The former Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was not particularly surprised by the force of the public debate. “Corona has been following us for a year and a half now. I am not surprised that it is now a big political issue,” said the 66-year-old on Monday evening on the sidelines of the premiere of a documentary series about FC Bayern in Munich: “You should visit the church leave it in the village anyway. “

Rummenigge wants to take pressure off Kimmich

Rummenigge promoted Bayern professional Kimmich and advocated not putting any pressure on the 26-year-old when it came to vaccinations. “Whenever I know a player who was extremely responsible and exemplary in dealing with many things in life, it was always Joshua,” said Rummenigge, recalling his time as CEO of the German record champions. “In that case, I believe he will make the right decision at some point,” remarked Rummenigge, referring to a still possible corona vaccination for Kimmich.

He had confirmed last weekend that he was not vaccinated against the corona virus. Kimmich was currently citing his concerns about vaccination. He didn’t rule her out in a TV interview for the future either. “It has to be left to himself,” pleaded Rummenigge: “I think that’s the decisive criterion. I don’t think external pressure is effective.”

Hoeneß criticizes the media

Bayern Honorary President Uli Hoeneß sees the media as the mainspring of the fierce vaccination debate about Kimmich. “You are responsible for the tsunami,” the 69-year-old told reporters on the sidelines of the premiere of the documentary series “FC Bayern – Behind The Legend”, which will be shown on Amazon Prime Video from November.

Hoeneß did not want to comment that Kimmich, like some other Munich professionals, had not yet been vaccinated. “The only one I’m talking to in this context is Joshua himself,” said the former club president. But he has an opinion on it.

Kahn and Hainer become clear

CEO Oliver Kahn and President Herbert Hainer emphasized the clear corona position of the German record champions on Monday evening in Munich.

“First of all, it is important that we have a clear stance that we can only recommend everyone to vaccinate. We have underlined this through several campaigns,” said Kahn.

“Ultimately, you have to respect that when one or the other has a different opinion,” added Kahn specifically to Kimmich. “It is very important – and it is our duty as a club – to constantly show awareness.”

Club president Hainer also once again emphasized the importance of a high vaccination rate for coping with the corona pandemic. “FC Bayern support the vaccination campaign sustainably. At the end of the day there is no compulsory vaccination. It is the decision of each individual, and you have to accept that,” said Hainer. “Joshua Kimmich said yes, maybe he will also be vaccinated. I would be happy.”

Müller and Neuer are cautious

Kimmich’s teammates expressed themselves cautiously: “I believe that all unvaccinated and vaccinated people are informed and everyone has the same level of knowledge,” said captain Manuel Neuer: “Jo can handle it. He knows what it’s about and is careful. I think Everyone knows unvaccinated people in their circle of acquaintances and friends. But when it concerns a public figure, it is clear that it plays a bigger role in the media. “

Thomas Müller also avoided criticism: “This is not a hot topic on a daily basis, which is why we, the players, have round tables. We are football buddies,” he said. (dpa / afp / ska)