- Nagelsmann is resolute in making Kimmich his chosen heir.
"Joshua Kimmich has been named the new head honcho of the German national football squad, as announced by Julian Nagelsmann. At age 29, the Munich resident takes over from Ilkay Gündogan, who called it quits post the home Euro tournament. Kimmich is anticipated to steer the DFB team towards the 2026 World Cup in North America. Gündogan decided to hang up his international boots following the Euros at home. Nagelsmann designated Antonio Rudiger and Kai Havertz as Kimmich's deputies."
"During a gathering of the national team in Herzogenaurach, Nagelsmann stated, 'The captain represents the team and speaks on its behalf. We aimed to find individuals with a strong team bond.'"
"Nagelsmann further explained, 'Given that Josh was one of the three captains during the Euros, it's only natural that he was the front-runner when the others weren't available.' Kimmich is described as 'one of those who give their all, sometimes to an extreme, always yearning for victory.'"
Fresh Face for DFB Captaincy
"Kimmich will don the captain's armband for the first time in the Nations League opener next Saturday (20:45 CET / ZDF) against Hungary. Unlike his stint at FC Bayern Munich, he will continue to play as a right-back, not shifting to central midfield: 'Josh has set a high standard as a right-back during the Euros,' said Nagelsmann."
Being appointed team leader is a significant acknowledgment for Kimmich in his extensive DFB career. He first donned the national team jersey in the Euro 2016 warm-up match against Slovakia (1-3). He was also part of the following final round in France.
Setbacks for Joshua Kimmich
After clinching the Confederations Cup with a promising young team in Russia in 2017, the path seemed promising for more major victories. However, Kimmich's tournament fortunes were less than fortunate. Premature exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and a letdown at the 2021 Euro - the DFB's woes were closely linked to Kimmich's name. The success of the home Euro, with impressive performances, high spirits, and ultimately an unfortunate elimination in the quarter-finals against Spain this summer, might serve as a turning point. Kimmich had already shown his leadership potential several times, for instance, as deputy to Manuel Neuer."
The promotion is merited. With 91 international appearances, Kimmich tops the list in Nagelsmann's current squad. He might enter the 100-club the following summer. Trailing Kimmich in the squad are Rudiger (74), Havertz (51), and Marc-André ter Stegen (40), who is set to take over from Manuel Neuer as the number one goalkeeper. Neuer, along with Jonathan Tah, Pascal Groß, and Niclas Füllkrug, is part of the new team council.
The promotion of Kimmich to team captain is a testament to his leadership abilities, demonstrated even as deputy to Manuel Neuer. Under his leadership, the national team aims to maintain their high spirits and push towards the 2026 World Cup, with the German national team heavily relying on him.
