2024-09-05 08:16:26
Published: 10:14, 3 September 2024 Updated: 10:29, 3 September 2024
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has become the new captain of the German national football team. He was announced as the successor to Ikle Gundogan on Monday (02 September). Coach Julian Nagelsmann said Kimmich was a logical successor to Gundogan as captain.
The captain’s position was vacant as several of Germany’s senior star players, including Gundogan, retired after playing at Euro 2024.
Two people have been made assistants to Kimmikh. They are Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz. Kimmich will make his debut as captain against Hungary on Saturday. Germany-Hungary will face each other in the Nations League match. Next Tuesday will play against the Netherlands.
Kimmich, 29, has never been a permanent captain of Bayern or Germany before. Sometimes, when a captain gets injured or leaves the field, the captain’s armband is given to him. Last year, Kimmich captained Germany in a friendly match.
However, according to the German Football Federation, Kimmich has worn the captain’s armband 17 times in 91 matches for the national team.
Gundogan was made captain last year by then coach Hansi Flick. The host of Euro 2024 was Germany. The former world champions played there under the leadership of Gundogan. But they could not reach the last eight. Gundogan announced his retirement after losing to Spain in the quarter-finals. Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos also retired.
That’s why Germany chose a new leadership ahead of the 2026 World Cup. On the other hand, the name of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been announced as Nagelsmann’s first choice to replace Neuer in Germany’s goal post.
Dhaka/Aminul