„Jo Kimmich ist ein überragender Mittelfeldspieler, der in unserem Team immer einen Platz haben wird,“ declared Germany national team head coach Jürgen Klopp during a live television broadcast, addressing persistent questions regarding the Bayern Munich star’s role. The remarks delivered during a Champions League fixture sparked friction among German football figures, drawing public rebukes from former Bayern Munich executive Oliver Kahn and Bavarian Minister-Markus Söder.”
The controversy unfolded as Bayern Munich played to a 2:2 draw against Arsenal. While the fixture itself drew sporting focus, the primary flashpoint occurred during the halftime interval when Klopp appeared on DAZN. Interviewed by host Daniel Herzog and former player Michael Ballack, the national team coach was asked to assess the midfield partnership of Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof deployed by Bayern manager Vincent Kompany.
Kimmich was absent from the squad due to a family bereavement following the sudden death of his 57-year-old father, Berthold. Confronted with questions comparing his midfield options, Klopp pushed back against the timing. „Ich finde es heute absolut pietätlos, wenn wir da jetzt drüber reden,“ Klopp stated, adding that discussing alternative combinations inevitably manufactured an unwanted controversy surrounding Kimmich. He further dismissed the ongoing selection debate as a uniquely domestic preoccupation, noting that a squad requires multiple viable players rather than a single fixed starter.”
Political Rebuke from Markus Söder in Munich
Bavarian Minister-Markus Söder voiced disapproval of the national team coach’s commentary during an appearance on the Sky program Triple. Söder acknowledged Klopp as an exceptional personality operating in a free society but expressed astonishment at how the coach handled both tactical evaluations and personnel queries. Specifically, Söder defended striker Harry Kane’s instrumental role in playmaking under difficult injury circumstances, remarking that the national team would be fortunate to have a forward of his caliber.
Söder also criticized Klopp’s public comparisons involving Kimmich while the player was mourning a family tragedy. Pointing to his own personal experience with the early loss of his mother, Renate, the CSU politician emphasized a deep sense of empathy for the player. Söder stressed the interdependence between the national setup and the country's most prominent club, stating that the German national team has never really acted successfully without FC Bayern.
Oliver Kahn Demands Greater Diplomatic Restraint
Oliver Kahn joined the criticism on the same television broadcast, questioning whether Klopp was speaking as the national team coach or still as a football expert. Kahn pointed out that public commentary concerning club tactics and player valuations could be seen as criticism of a club coach and risks straining collegial relationships. Drawing a parallel to Klopp’s role with Magenta TV during the 2026 World Cup, the former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper insisted that a national coach must exercise greater diplomatic care.
„Als Bundestrainer muss man hier und da auch mal ein bisschen diplomatisch sein,“ Kahn argued, saying that a national coach must know exactly what he says.”
Klopp Evaluates Tresoldi and Füllkrug for German Attack
Beyond the midfield debate surrounding Kimmich, Pavlovic, and Bischof, Klopp evaluated prospective additions to the German attack. Commenting on Club Brügge forward Nicolò Tresoldi, who remains uncommitted between Germany and his birth country Italy, the coach noted significant developmental potential. Regarding Werder Bremen veteran Niclas Füllkrug, Klopp acknowledged the striker’s prolific scoring record in the Bundesliga while tempering immediate expectations given his age of 33.
„Wir haben eine Gegenwart, eine mittelfristige Zukunft und eine langfristige Zukunft,“ Klopp explained regarding the generational balance of the national team squad. While not ruling out an immediate or medium-term return for the veteran forward, the coach emphasized that long-term planning requires balancing current form against future squad evolution.”
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