Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has addressed the international break discussion surrounding Joshua Kimmich, dismissing the talk as a minor debate while evaluating Michael Olise and Harry Kane, as reported by fussballtransfers.com.
Vincent Kompany Dismisses National Team Debate Around Joshua Kimmich
During the recent international fixtures, a public debate emerged over whether 31-year-old Joshua Kimmich remains the correct choice to captain the German national team. Rekord-Nationalspieler Lothar Matthäus and Oliver Kahn saw Kimmich under pressure in the debate about his standing, with Kahn stating he felt the Bayern professional no longer had a hundred-percent guaranteed regular spot. Matthäus noted that Kimmich, like others, must constantly prove himself, though he added that Kimmich delivered in Amsterdam and was the best German outfield player. Michael Ballack stated that new coach Jürgen Klopp’s decision did not mean he was weakening Kimmich, while noting that other midfielders could quickly overtake him.
Klopp had included Kimmich only in the first part of the 44-player XXL squad. After the second match—a 0–1 defeat against Greece—Kimmich departed alongside numerous other players, forcing him to watch the subsequent matches against Serbia (2–0) and in Greece (0–0) from the couch, though Kimmich made no secret of the fact that he would have very much liked to stay with the DFB team. Kahn criticized Klopp’s public handling of the matter, specifically pointing to a comment where Klopp stated he wanted to see the team without the lead wolf to check if a certain personality might inhibit the squad. Kahn stated: So etwas sollte man nicht öffentlich sagen, weil man den Spieler damit auf eine gewisse Art und Weise diskreditiert.
Klopp responded angrily on a press conference when asked about the situation, stating he officially gives up and telling people to do as they please, while defending that Germany needs more than just three midfielders and expressing happiness that Kimmich is a German international.
Addressing the noise from his position at club level, Kompany maintained a diplomatic stance in an interview with RTL and Sky Sport, stating that he tries to stay out of what he considers minor debates. The Belgian coach emphasized that external discussions regarding the national team have no bearing on Kimmich’s standing at Munich. Ich bin nicht beeinflusst von dem, was bei der Nationalmannschaft passiert,
Kompany said, noting his belief that club performances actually dictate national team fortunes rather than the reverse.
Michael Olise Earns World-Class Praise Following France Performances
While Kimmich faced domestic and international scrutiny, teammate Michael Olise captured headlines during France's latest campaign. The 24-year-old left winger recorded four goals and two assists, propelling his name firmly into the global Ballon d’Or conversation. Kompany expressed high admiration for the attacker’s progression and daily application at the club’s training ground.
Ich glaube, ein Spieler mit dem Talent wie Michael Olise schafft das immer, er würde immer einer der besten Spieler sein,
Kompany remarked to RTL and Sky Sport, highlighting Olise’s elite mentality and vision for details that others miss. The manager confirmed without hesitation that the young forward has already achieved world-class status following his steady development over recent seasons.
Harry Kane Nears Contract Extension as Management Focuses on Environment
Alongside Olise, 33-year-old striker Harry Kane is also drawing consideration for the Ballon d’Or while closing in on a contract extension at Säbener Straße, with initial agreements already reported. When asked about his specific influence in securing the Englishman’s long-term future, Kompany downplayed his own role in the negotiations between the player, his representatives, and the club hierarchy.
Meine Verantwortung in dieser Geschichte ist, dass Harry sich einfach hier wohlfühlt, dass er auf dem Platz auch Leistung bringt oder dass er zumindest eine Umgebung hat, ein Umfeld hat, wo er das machen kann,
Kompany explained, noting that performance and comfort usually streamline all other club business.
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