The incoming Germany manager has maintained strict silence regarding his specific intentions since assuming control of the national side. According to reports, Klopp has not contacted the Bayern Munich midfielder to discuss the forthcoming international period, leaving both the captain’s armband and Kimmich’s on-field position entirely unresolved as the first fixture approaches.

Leadership and tactical framework undecided

Klopp has not confirmed whether Kimmich will continue to serve as captain under the new regime. Similarly, the former Liverpool boss has declined to specify where he envisages deploying the 29-year-old during competitive fixtures, maintaining complete tactical flexibility as he evaluates his available personnel across all positions.

This uncertainty surrounds one of the squad’s most experienced players at a critical transitional juncture, with Germany embarking on a new era following Klopp’s appointment. The deliberate approach suggests the manager is conducting a thorough assessment of his senior players and tactical options before committing to a definitive framework for the team’s leadership hierarchy and playing style.

Kimmich patient as selection nears

Despite the lack of immediate clarity regarding his status, Kimmich is reportedly unfazed by the situation. The midfielder understands Klopp’s rationale for keeping all options open ahead of the initial squad selection, demonstrating patience as the new coaching staff take necessary time to assess their resources and determine the optimal balance for the side.

Key resolutions regarding both the captaincy and overall tactical setup are expected within the coming weeks as Klopp finalises his first group. These impending choices will establish whether Kimmich retains a central position in Germany’s plans—both in terms of authority and his specific functional role on the pitch—as the new managerial tenure begins in earnest.

Pre-season impact

Bischof demonstrated his attacking credentials during Bayern’s first pre-season fixture in Wiesbaden, netting the consolation in a defeat against 3. Liga opposition. The 21-year-old managed 39 appearances in his debut campaign at the Allianz Arena, though he predominantly featured as a left-back rather than in his natural central midfield position. Despite this involvement, he subsequently missed out on selection for the recent World Cup squad.

Return to midfield

The reigning Bundesliga champions plan to utilise Bischof as direct competition for established internationals Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic in the engine room. This strategic shift has been enabled by the decision to retain Konrad Laimer in defensive wide positions, negating the need for Bischof to continue covering at left-back as he did for much of the 2025/26 season. The shirt change from Goretzka symbolises the club’s clear intent to integrate the youth captain into their core midfield rotation rather than utilising him as a defensive utility player.

Confidence from the hierarchy

Freund left little doubt regarding the staff’s faith in the former Hoffenheim prospect. “His role will become even more important. We have great hope and great confidence in him. He’s a really good player and will take on even more responsibility and get game time. I am convinced that he is ready for this,” he told BILD.

The player himself offered a measured assessment of the team’s performance in their initial workout. “We controlled the game for long stretches. We perhaps lacked a bit of movement because we only had one week of training, but the win was there for the taking,” Bischof observed.

With Bayern seeking to maintain their domestic dominance while competing on multiple fronts, Bischof’s development into a genuine midfield option provides the coaching staff with additional tactical flexibility and valuable squad depth. The coming weeks will determine how quickly he can translate pre-season promise into competitive minutes against Bundesliga opposition.

Addressing the International Coaches’ Congress in Mainz, Völler outlined his vision for the captaincy during the new managerial era. “I assume so,” he said, according to DPA, when questioned about Kimmich’s future as skipper. “Jo Kimmich has proven in many international matches that he is a leader and a great captain. I cannot imagine there will be any major change in that position.”

Euro 2024 Appointment

Kimmich was appointed captain following Euro 2024, succeeding Ilkay Gündogan in the position. The change in leadership came after the continental tournament concluded, establishing the midfielder as the central figure within the squad’s hierarchy during a period of significant transition for German international football.

Klopp’s Authority

While Völler has made his preference for continuity clear, he acknowledged that the final decision rests solely with the new head coach. “The final decision naturally rests with Klopp,” Völler confirmed. He indicated, however, that Klopp’s previous statements suggest no disruption is planned, noting: “We have all followed what he has said. You didn’t really get the impression that anything else was planned.”

The strong backing from the sporting director signals confidence that Kimmich will remain a key figure as Germany moves forward from their Round of 32 World Cup exit. Maintaining the current captain would provide stability within the squad as Klopp prepares to take charge and implement his approach for the upcoming international cycle.

The players are undergoing medical assessments at the club’s facilities before travelling to the Bavarian lake district for a four-day camp. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović was among the first to arrive for testing on Sunday morning to begin the pre-season programme.

Not all of Bayern’s international contingent have returned to duty, however. Forward Harry Kane and winger Michael Olise remain absent on extended leave after reaching the latter stages of the tournament with England and France respectively. The attacking pair will rejoin the group once their vacation period concludes.

The squad will soon include Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, who is set to complete a permanent transfer from Gambinos Stars for a fee understood to be between €3 million and €4 million. The defender will undergo tests alongside the returning World Cup players before linking up with the squad in Tegernsee.

Meanwhile, the futures of two further international defenders remain unresolved. Centre-back Kim Min-jae and full-back Hiroki Itō, who both featured at the World Cup, could still depart the Allianz Arena this summer despite reporting for pre-season duty.

Upcoming fixtures

Bayern’s preparations continue with a friendly match against amateur side FC Rottach-Egern on Thursday. The fixture follows the Tegernsee camp and comes after Kompany’s side opened their pre-season schedule with a defeat to second-tier Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday.

The German champions have enjoyed prolific success against Thursday’s opponents in previous meetings, having found the net 64 times across their last three encounters with the eighth-tier Bavarian club.

Klopp, who took charge of Die Mannschaft following his appointment, does not view the Bayern Munich midfielder as a solution at full-back. Instead, the 57-year-old is already monitoring Germany’s youth national teams to identify a long-term candidate for the role.

The appointment marks Klopp’s return to management following his departure from Liverpool at the end of last season. During his nine-year spell at Anfield, he transformed Trent Alexander-Arnold from an academy prospect into one of the world’s most creative full-backs, demonstrating the importance he places on the position.

Selection criteria

Speaking about his squad plans, Klopp emphasised that performance and mentality would determine selection rather than reputation. “I have ideas, but I haven’t spoken to anyone yet,” he said. “I’m not going to assign any positions here. Whoever is very good, really keen, and whoever gets even better the moment they put on the national team jersey, will play.”

Kimmich has operated in various roles for both club and country, frequently deputising at right-back when required. However, Klopp’s decision to look elsewhere suggests a significant tactical shift for the national side. The German Football Federation (DFB) will hope Klopp’s renowned ability to develop young talent—exemplified by Alexander-Arnold’s progression—can unearth a domestic solution in the youth ranks.

The new head coach’s focus on full-backs reflects his established tactical philosophy, where wide defenders often serve as auxiliary playmakers. Having prioritised the position during his Liverpool tenure, Klopp appears set to implement similar creative demands on his Germany defenders.

The move to exclude Kimmich from right-back contention represents a clear statement of intent from Klopp, who inherits a squad seeking to rebuild following recent tournament disappointments. While Kimmich remains a fixture in midfield, the search for a specialist full-back indicates Klopp’s determination to install his preferred tactical framework from the outset.

Calls for wholesale changes

Hamann believes Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sané should end their international careers. Speaking to Abendzeitung, he questioned whether retaining these players would alter Germany’s fortunes given recent history. The nation has failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in the past five major tournaments and has not reached the round of 16 at the last three World Cups.

Hamann asked why results would improve in two years if the same personnel remained.

Basler went further during an appearance on Sport1, demanding what he termed a “real clean-up” of the DFB setup. He identified Kimmich, Sané, Antonio Rüdiger and Pascal Groß as players who should no longer represent the country. Basler suggested Kimmich lacks the pace required at international level, arguing that the midfielder will only become slower as he ages. He also warned that Bayern Munich face difficulties if they continue deploying the player in the number six position.

Basler argued that Germany requires “young, hungry players” rather than experienced individuals he described as “washed-up”.

Matthäus defends captain

However, Lothar Matthäus has offered robust support for Kimmich. Writing in his column for Sky Germany, the former captain argued that Kimmich should remain a key figure and retain the armband under the new coaching regime. Matthäus acknowledged the Bayern Munich player struggled at the recent World Cup but insisted he remains influential when deployed in the correct position.

Matthäus also highlighted defenders Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck as players capable of becoming new faces of the national team. He emphasised that Kimmich must operate where he can exert greater influence on matches.

Tournament struggles continue

The criticism follows another early exit for Germany, extending a worrying pattern of results. The four-time world champions have consistently fallen short at major competitions, failing to progress past the last eight since their 2014 World Cup triumph. Their recent World Cup record shows three consecutive group stage eliminations.

The division among former players reflects broader uncertainty about the squad’s direction as the DFB considers its next steps. While some advocate for an immediate youth revolution, others argue that experienced heads like Kimmich remain essential to any rebuilding process.

The debate regarding Kimmich’s future follows Germany’s underwhelming round of 32 exit against Paraguay at the World Cup. Dietmar Hamann publicly urged the 31-year-old to step away from the national team after the early tournament elimination.

However, writing in his Sky Germany column, Matthäus strongly disagreed. He argued that Kimmich should continue as a central pillar of the squad as they look to rebuild following the disappointing campaign.

Future Leaders Named

Matthäus identified several players he believes should form the new leadership core alongside Kimmich. He highlighted defenders Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, along with attacker Kai Havertz, as individuals capable of becoming “faces of the team.”

Speaking about Havertz specifically, Matthäus stated: “In attack, Kai Havertz has the quality and experience to take on a leadership role. However, we need to see which position he plays in.”

Positional Weaknesses

The 1990 World Cup winner also pinpointed specific gaps that undermined Germany’s challenge. “We didn’t have a right-back in the squad, nor did we have a true No. 9,” he said. “We also don’t have the big leaders we had when we won the [World Cup] title in 2014.”

Despite these structural deficiencies, Matthäus maintains that Kimmich’s experience is vital. The midfielder has earned 114 caps since making his debut in 2016, establishing himself as a mainstay through multiple tournament cycles.

With Germany facing a period of transition, the question now is whether the federation will follow Matthäus’s guidance to retain Kimmich as captain while addressing the urgent need for a specialist right-back and centre-forward.

Hamann’s Tournament Assessment

Hamann, speaking on the TOMorrow Business podcast (via Sport.de), delivered a brutal assessment of Kimmich’s contributions across five major tournaments. “He has now played five tournaments in a position of responsibility. And he has failed five times,” Hamann stated. The former Liverpool midfielder highlighted that Kimmich has never guided Germany beyond the quarter-final stage in international competition.

The critique centred on the Bayern captain’s inability to translate club form onto the global stage. Hamann suggested that voluntarily stepping away would demonstrate genuine accountability rather than defiance. “This has nothing to do with running away, but with taking responsibility,” he explained. “From a player like that, I expect him to take responsibility and say: I tried everything – and you can’t blame him for that – I didn’t succeed, now I’m stepping away.”

Hamann admitted he would view such a decision as a significant gesture. “I would think extremely highly of that,” he said. “It would be a statement, and things need to change. We cannot continue like this.”

International Future in Doubt

Should Hamann succeed Nagelsmann as Germany coach, he confirmed Kimmich would face immediate exclusion. “I wouldn’t call him up anymore. Other players must be given a chance. I’m of the opinion that Kimmich should no longer play a role in the national team,” he declared.

The former midfielder also disputed Kimmich’s elite status, arguing: “I don’t see Kimmich as a world-class player. He is a very good player. But he is not world-class in central midfield. Is he world-class as a right-back? No, he is a good player there too.”

Bayern Munich Criticism

Hamann extended his criticism to Bayern Munich, describing German players at the club as “passengers” compared to their decisive foreign teammates. He identified Olise, Díaz and Kane as the match-winners, contrasting them with Tah and Pavlović alongside Kimmich, whom he characterised as merely accompanying the star performers.

Germany’s defeat to Paraguay marked another premature tournament conclusion for the four-time world champions, intensifying scrutiny on senior figures within the squad. While Kimmich maintains his commitment to the national team project, Hamann’s intervention raises fresh questions about the leadership direction required as the DFB seeks a new head coach.

Julian Nagelsmann has faced particular criticism for his approach. The manager repeatedly altered systems and formations throughout the campaign, abandoning strategies even when they proved effective. Deniz Undav had thrived coming off the bench, yet Nagelsmann deviated from that strategy against Paraguay. The team used different setups in the final group match against Ecuador and the knockout fixture that followed, a rotation that lacked obvious purpose.

Tactical confusion costs dear

The constant chopping and changing has left players uncertain of their roles. Joshua Kimmich, who operates in midfield for Bayern Munich, was not deployed in his familiar position consistently. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz, widely considered among the squad’s most creative talents, was denied a sustained run in a central position behind Kai Havertz despite their evident chemistry against Paraguay.

Former approaches offer a stark contrast. German sides traditionally succeeded when player responsibilities were clearly defined and hierarchies established. Currently, the side lacks the control required to build from the back and maintain possession in opposition territory.

Contrast with tournament winners

Other leading nations have demonstrated the value of consistency. Spain, France and Argentina each operate with recognisable patterns that their players execute with precision. Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni have built structured environments around established stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, creating security and order that Germany currently lack.

The continued selection of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has also drawn scrutiny. Relying on members of the 2014 World Cup-winning generation suggests a reluctance to fully trust younger players, potentially undermining squad confidence.

Unity amid disappointment

Despite the turmoil, one positive element emerged from the campaign. Players displayed notable solidarity during difficult moments. Antonio Rüdiger offered public support to fellow defenders Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, while Havertz spoke warmly of Undav’s contributions. Kimmich publicly backed Leroy Sané and the manager himself.

This camaraderie distinguishes the current group from the 2018 squad, whose attitude was widely questioned. Observers note that today’s players, products of systematic academy development, are genuinely devastated by the outcomes and committed to improvement.

Recovery requires patience and clarity. Germany must decide how they wish to play and stick to that vision through multiple tournaments, resisting the temptation to constantly reinvent their approach.

The Bayern Munich midfielder, who converted his penalty during the decisive shootout but could not prevent defeat, shared his anguish with supporters on Instagram. “Right now I just feel empty and I don’t really feel like reaching out. But it’s part of it to face these situations as well,” the 31-year-old wrote. “Together, we had set out to play a very successful World Cup, to represent Germany with dignity, and to make a small contribution to a positive development in our country. And we failed. Again. And it destroys me.”

Kimmich, who also endured group-stage exits with Germany in 2018 and 2022, admitted the repeated failures carry heavy emotional weight. “As proud as I am to be the captain of this team and as special as it was for me to lead them into the tournament, the disappointment about how things went for us is just as big,” he added.

Defiance amid disappointment

Despite the pain, Kimmich made clear he will not walk away from international duty. “Giving up is never an option for me,” he stated on social media, though he acknowledged needing more than a few days to regain clarity.

Speaking to MagentaTV after the match, he reinforced this commitment. “I’ll always have the determination to make another attempt. What I will never do is give up,” he said. The captain reflected on his childhood memories of watching Germany compete in semifinals and finals, expressing regret that the current generation cannot offer similar moments to supporters.

Calls for accountability

Kimmich argued that every squad member must accept collective blame rather than distancing themselves from the failure. “We have to take responsibility – no one can distance themselves from it,” he told MagentaTV. “We have to own it, because we, the players who were on the pitch, are the ones who messed it up.”

He highlighted the broader national significance of the defeat, noting: “It’s a real shame, especially at a time when it would do us so much good to have something in Germany we can be proud of. Unfortunately, the national team isn’t that right now, and we all share responsibility for it.”

At 31, Kimmich remains central to Germany’s plans as they look to rebuild following three consecutive disappointing World Cup campaigns. His decision to continue provides crucial leadership and experience for the next international cycle.