Joshua Kimmich on becoming Germany captain: “Nobody dreams of becoming a captain. That’s something very special.”

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·3 September 2024

Joshua Kimmich on becoming Germany captain: “Nobody dreams of becoming a captain. That’s something very special.”

Speaking in his first press conference as Germany captain (via @iMiaSanMia), Joshua Kimmich gave his reaction to giving the role as well as his role model for the role itself.

On becoming captain of the national team, Kimmich said:

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“Of course I’m proud. It’s nice, especially when I see where I come from. As a kid, you naturally dream of playing for the national team. But captain is still unrealistic. Nobody dreams of becoming a captain. That’s something very special. I’m also happy that the people around me are happy and that I’ve been given their trust. I want to repay that. It’s not like it’s a one-man show as captain.”

Kimmich was not the only players given a new role ahead of the September international break. Antonio Rüdiger, who is currently absent from the national team, and Kai Havertz were appointed as vice-captains. On the new vice captains, the 29-year-old commented:

“I’ve known Antonio (Rüdiger) since his time at VfB Stuttgart. He was a first team player and I was still a youth player. We looked up to him. Everyone who made it to the first team from the youth was a great role model for us. Unfortunately we never played together at club level. Our relationship is very good. We get on really well. I’ve known Kai (Havertz) for a long time too. I’m very happy that he got this role. He flies under the radar. Sometimes it’s not just about scoring goals. Kai runs a lot and gives everything for the team. We need people like him”

Finally, Kimmich also spoke about who his role model is for the type of captain he will be for the national team. The midfielder said:

“You are inspired by the captains that you played with yourself. Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer and Ilkay Gündogan. I think everyone interprets the role in their own way. But the structure of the team was also different for everyone. You have to approach it individually. Certain tasks definitely have to be completed, which I may not know about yet.”

Out of the pool of German players available, caps-wise, Kimmich is one of the most experienced left having made his debut for the national team back in 2016. The midfielder, who will play right-back for Germany once again, will get his first outing with the armband against Hungary on Saturday in Düsseldorf in Germany’s Nations League game before then playing the Netherlands on Tuesday.

GGFN | Jack Meenan