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Kimmich: "Looking forward to joining the U21s"

Germany U21 international Joshua Kimmich has become a regular at FC Bayern München recently. He was given a starting berth against Köln yesterday and spoke to DFB.de after the final whistle about the past few weeks, international ambitions and playing at the back.

Question: Mr. Kimmich, how hard was the game in Cologne, in light of the fact that you faced Juventus in midweek?

Joshua Kimmich: We started to tire towards the final whistle – playing 120 minutes in the Champions League started to catch up with us.

Question: How about motivation? It must’ve been easier to get motivated for the Champions League game…

Kimmich: I wouldn’t say so. We were obviously motivated to earn three points here in Cologne. We know that Dortmund are still hot on our heels. We’re still under pressure to get results.

Question: Germany coach Joachim Löw announced his squad for the friendlies against England in Berlin and Italy in Munich earlier this week. Your recent performances for FC Bayern have earned you a lot of praise and some even suggested that you should be included in the European Championship squad. Are you disappointed that you didn’t receive a call-up?

Kimmich: I think it would be more disappointing, if I was regularly called into the national team and then it suddenly stops. I’ve never been with the senior side and that’s why I’m now looking forward to spending time with the U21 team.

Question: Your performances have been very impressive recently, especially considering the fact that you’re playing out of position…

Kimmich: Obviously you notice that more articles get written about you. But I also know that it could be an entirely different story in a couple of weeks and that’s why I don’t let it go to my head.

Question: Were you aware of your abilities as a centre back or did Pep Guardiola discover this talent?

Kimmich: I had only played the position once before and that was a long time ago. Now I can play another position, which isn’t too bad.

Question: Is it your new favourite position?

Kimmich: It’s definitely a lot of fun.

created by mmc/fr

Germany U21 international Joshua Kimmich has become a regular at FC Bayern München recently. He was given a starting berth against Köln yesterday and spoke to DFB.de after the final whistle about the past few weeks, international ambitions and playing at the back.

Question: Mr. Kimmich, how hard was the game in Cologne, in light of the fact that you faced Juventus in midweek?

Joshua Kimmich: We started to tire towards the final whistle – playing 120 minutes in the Champions League started to catch up with us.

Question: How about motivation? It must’ve been easier to get motivated for the Champions League game…

Kimmich: I wouldn’t say so. We were obviously motivated to earn three points here in Cologne. We know that Dortmund are still hot on our heels. We’re still under pressure to get results.

Question: Germany coach Joachim Löw announced his squad for the friendlies against England in Berlin and Italy in Munich earlier this week. Your recent performances for FC Bayern have earned you a lot of praise and some even suggested that you should be included in the European Championship squad. Are you disappointed that you didn’t receive a call-up?

Kimmich: I think it would be more disappointing, if I was regularly called into the national team and then it suddenly stops. I’ve never been with the senior side and that’s why I’m now looking forward to spending time with the U21 team.

Question: Your performances have been very impressive recently, especially considering the fact that you’re playing out of position…

Kimmich: Obviously you notice that more articles get written about you. But I also know that it could be an entirely different story in a couple of weeks and that’s why I don’t let it go to my head.

Question: Were you aware of your abilities as a centre back or did Pep Guardiola discover this talent?

Kimmich: I had only played the position once before and that was a long time ago. Now I can play another position, which isn’t too bad.

Question: Is it your new favourite position?

Kimmich: It’s definitely a lot of fun.