Admin I Friday, March 15, 2024
MUNICH – Football now longer has real characters these days because of a different zeitgeist and players being under constant observation, German international Joshua Kimmich has said.
Bayern Munich’s Kimmich told Friday’s edition of the Müchner Merkur/tz papers it should be no surprise that the new generation of players shies away from anything that may be deemed controversial.
“You do get the feeling that there are fewer characters with rough edges these days,” Kimmich said.
“But it’s certainly more difficult than it used to be because of today’s zeitgeist. Today, it feels like every little edge is constantly discussed, evaluated and ultimately deemed good or bad.
“There is virtually no space in between, less acceptance and differentiation. This understandably inevitably leads to many people withdrawing from this constant focus. But nobody needs to be surprised about that.”
Midfielder and full back Kimmich said that being a team leader mainly means to lead by example with good showings on the pitch.
“That’s the only way to gain respect and be heard. Then it’s important to have the big picture in your head, to think about it, to define your aspirations, to interact with your team-mates on and off the pitch, to make a concrete commitment to the cause, to the club’s goals,” the 29-year-old said.
Kimmich named the captain’s armband for club or country a strong symbol, “an honour to wear” and that it “combines a great deal of respect, humility and responsibility.
“Nevertheless, it doesn’t influence your own actions. Whether with or without the armband, you act the way you are, the way you see things and the way your feelings and awareness guide you,” he said.
Kimmich has been a team leader for many years at Bayern and the national team.
His Bayern contract expires in 2025 and club officials have said they will start renewal talks. Should Kimmich not want to stay, this summer will offer the last chance to generate a transfer fee.
