Jürgen Klopp ready to use Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich in central midfield
Jürgen Klopp appears ready to bring a significant change to Joshua Kimmich’s role with the German national team, with reports indicating that the new Germany head coach intends to use the Bayern Munich captain in central midfield.
According to reports from Sport Bild, cited by several German football outlets, Klopp has already discussed Kimmich’s future role with him during a visit to Bayern’s training ground at Säbener Straße. The reported plan is for Kimmich to return to the position where he has regularly played for Bayern: the centre of midfield.
The decision would represent a notable change from the approach taken by former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. During the 2026 World Cup, Kimmich was predominantly used at right-back, despite continuing to operate in central midfield for his club. Germany ultimately exited the tournament in the last 32 against Paraguay.
Kimmich’s position has been a recurring discussion around the national team for years. Although he is capable of playing at right-back, his influence in midfield has been one of his defining characteristics at Bayern. Bundesliga.com has also highlighted the contrast between his club role and his international deployment under Nagelsmann.
Klopp’s reported decision could therefore give Kimmich a more familiar responsibility: controlling the tempo, helping Germany build attacks from deeper positions and providing leadership in the middle of the pitch.
The captaincy is another important part of the story. Reports indicate that Kimmich is expected to remain Germany’s captain for the time being. Germany sporting director Rudi Völler previously backed Kimmich to continue wearing the armband, describing him as an important leader for the national team.
The tactical change, however, creates another question for Klopp. If Kimmich moves permanently into midfield, Germany will need a reliable alternative at right-back. Reports have mentioned players such as Ridle Baku and other emerging options as potential candidates for the position.
There is also considerable interest in how Kimmich could fit into Klopp’s wider tactical plans. Lothar Matthäus has previously argued that Germany needs Kimmich in the centre, comparing his potential role to a “quarterback” who can influence the team’s build-up and organisation.
Klopp is due to announce his first Germany squad on September 17, ahead of the Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands and Greece. The squad selection should provide a clearer indication of how seriously the new coach intends to reshape the team.
For Kimmich, a return to central midfield would represent more than simply a positional adjustment. It could signal a renewed attempt to build Germany’s midfield around one of its most experienced players, while giving Klopp the opportunity to use the Bayern star in a role familiar to him at club level.
