German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has stuck to his strategy heading into the World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay. Despite numerous experts advocating for Joshua Kimmich to play in midfield, mirroring his role at Bayern Munich, the coach kept him at right-back. However, this decision might not be permanent.
When asked by MagentaTV if there had been considerations to move captain Joshua Kimmich to central midfield for the match against Ecuador, bringing in a natural center-back to the right side of the defense, the national coach stated: «Not for this game, no. We always try to give the players the best idea so they can develop optimally,» he said, adding, «I also spoke with Jo again today. He can help us immensely there. There are always some adjustments, as with every player after every game. There will be some today, and he will do well today too.»
In the days following the 1-2 loss to Ecuador in the final group stage match, many former national players and experts, including Philipp Lahm and Lothar Matthäus, had called for Kimmich to be moved back to his preferred position in central midfield. This was largely due to Aleksandar Pavlović’s underwhelming performances in midfield during the group stage.
«Aleksandar Pavlović hasn’t really convinced in this tournament yet; I notice an incredible number of simple turnovers,» wrote Philipp Lahm in his World Cup column for kicker, further fueling the debate. «He’s not optimally positioned on the field. Therefore, I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield,» Philipp Lahm had stated.
However, Nagelsmann included Pavlovic in the starting lineup against Paraguay and defended him before kickoff: «We always discuss almost everything within the coaching team. We also spoke with Leon [Goretzka, ed.], who is doing well in training and isn’t letting himself go,» he said when asked if changes had been considered. He continued, «But we have to give Pavlo confidence; he had a good start. The last two games weren’t top-notch, but he also had a tough time due to other positioning on the field. It wasn’t just him. He has huge potential and is a very important player for us.»
Nagelsmann Had Early Commitment to Kimmich at Right-Back
Before the World Cup, Nagelsmann had decided on Kimmich, who played in midfield during the qualifiers, as the right-back. He didn’t even bring a natural right-back to the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Kimmich performed adequately against Curaçao and Ecuador but appeared overwhelmed against the lightning-fast Yan Diomande of the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, he had less influence on the game from the back.
Nagelsmann is now keeping him in his intended defensive position for the time being, but leaving a back door open for potential future games – a move that would undoubtedly spark further discussion given the history.
Even after the defeat against Ecuador, Nagelsmann’s personnel decisions, which did not entirely align with his previous role discussions, had already led to lively debates, reportedly even among the national players.