Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich knows the frustration fans have felt — the team has looked great in the Champions League, but often mediocre outside of it.
“Unfortunately, this is true. To be honest, especially in the last weeks, we had two really good games against Arsenal. Especially the second game and the second half of the second game. Also the second game against Lazio was really good. But in the Bundesliga we had some problems. We didn’t win our games. Leverkusen did amazing the whole season. And, so we are just second in the league,” Kimmich said during an interview with Diario AS (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Because we were not able to perform well in many games. Fortunately, we are good in the Champions League. But, to be honest, of course it’s not enough for a club like Bayern Munich to be the second in the league. We have to focus on the Champions League, because there’s still a title we can win.”
Kimmich’s recent move to right-back could play a key factor in Bayern Munich’s chances against Real Madrid.
“We had some injuries in this position and the coach decided to play me there. Then we had some good games. Especially, like I said, in the Champions League and so I think he won’t change it for the last games of the season. To play as a right-back is not a problem for me. It’s also a lot of fun for me to play there, it’s completely different than in the midfield. After playing some games as a right-back, I have the rhythm. I can enjoy it. That’s good for me and it’s working well in our current situation with the team,” Kimmich said.
Kimmich’s tall order as a right-back against Real Madrid will be trying to stop Vinicius, a player who we knows is very good.
“Unfortunately or fortunately, you mostly face the best individual player of the other team when you are playing as a right or left-back. Mbappé or Vinicius Junior – two of the best players in European football right now. I know that Vinicius is really strong in 1v1 situations. Like Kilian Mbappé. So I’m really happy to face him and to compete with him,” Kimmich said.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s massive Champions League showdown with Real Madrid? We’ve got you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show, where we dive into the game, Bayern Munich’s tenuous injury situation, a guess on Thomas Tuchel’s lineup, and a prediction on the game. Check it out on Spotify or below: