Like many other regular players, coach Vincent Kompany also rested Joshua Kimmich during FC Bayern’s 3-3 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim. Kimmich responded with a joke.
Kimmich was not in the starting lineup against Heidenheim but came on at halftime, trailing 1-2, along with Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz. With the strong players introduced, they managed to secure a late equalizer.
When asked about his place on the bench afterward, Kimmich replied, «I need to talk to the coach. Tonight, a one-on-one meeting.» He then started to grin, clearly making a lighthearted joke.
On a more serious note, does the rotation disrupt his rhythm? «No, I’m past the age where I need a rhythm,» Kimmich said, adding, «Of course, I always enjoy being on the pitch.» His joke likely contained a small grain of truth.
Joshua Kimmich: «I Would Have Been Ready Today»
Kimmich is known for preferring to play every match, regardless of the tight schedule. For a long time, the 31-year-old midfielder was indeed exempt from any rotation. However, in the current intense phase of the season, Kompany has been giving Kimmich breaks.
Last Saturday, he wasn’t even in the squad for the 4-3 victory against FSV Mainz 05. «Last week I was quite happy, I had a few little issues then,» Kimmich said. «Today I would have been ready. Ultimately, the coach decides.» In between, he played the full match in the 4-5 loss against Paris Saint-Germain and will naturally start in the double pivot alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic in the return leg on Wednesday. «I was fresh against Paris, I will be fresh again on Wednesday,» Kimmich stated. «I don’t sprint that much.»
Kimmich has already played 3713 minutes this season, the third-highest total at FC Bayern, just behind Luis Diaz (3760) and Michael Olise (3716).
English Translation:
Joshua Kimmich, a key midfielder for FC Bayern, humorously reacted to being rested by coach Vincent Kompany in a recent 3-3 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim. Kimmich, who came on as a substitute at halftime alongside other prominent players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise, joked about needing a «one-on-one meeting» with the coach to discuss his benching.
While acknowledging that he always prefers to be on the pitch, Kimmich dismissed the idea that rotation disrupts his rhythm, stating he’s «past the age» where he needs a consistent flow. However, he admitted there might be a «small grain of truth» in his jest.
Kimmich is renowned for his desire to play every game. Despite this, Kompany has recently implemented a rotation policy, even for the 31-year-old. Kimmich missed the previous match against FSV Mainz 05 entirely but felt he would have been ready for the Heidenheim game, emphasizing that the coach makes the final decision.
He confirmed his readiness for the upcoming Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, where he is expected to partner Aleksandar Pavlovic. Kimmich highlighted his substantial playing time this season, accumulating 3713 minutes, placing him among Bayern’s most utilized players.