Kimmich responds to controversy over his role with the German national team: the best are those who play

Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich player and member of the German national team, has responded to the controversy surrounding his role with the national team, after some experts suggested he should sit on the bench, affirming that his focus is on his level on the pitch.

Kimmich said: "To be honest, I haven't followed it at all, but I've noticed there's some controversy. I've been in this field for 11 years, and I know how things work. The only thing I can focus on, and that I need to focus on, is my level on the pitch. I've done that for the past 11 years, and I will continue to do so. In the end, the best are the ones who play. And over the past ten years, I've largely succeeded in being among the best. That's my goal, and I work for it every day, and then I'll make sure to deliver my level again every three days."

Regarding his wish to stay with the national team for a longer time, Kimmich explained: "Of course, I wanted to stay, especially after Jamal Musiala's injury. At that point, I thought: well, Jamal was supposed to stay for the whole two weeks. Maybe another door will open, or a new opportunity will come."

Kimmich has denied needing more support from Jürgen Klopp, stating: "No, not at all. He described things as they really were. He was very clear from the beginning, he explained it, as well as the backgrounds and reasons behind it. So, it was acceptable for me, and everything was clear."