Klopp sends clear message over Kimmich as Bayern duo impress against Arsenal
| Klopp and Kimmich after the Nations League match between Germany and Greece. | Photo: Alex Grimm / Getty Images. |
Jürgen Klopp has praised the partnership between Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic after the Bayern Munich midfielders impressed against Arsenal, but insists their rise should not come at Joshua Kimmich’s expense.
Speaking at half-time of the Champions League clash, the Germany coach highlighted how well the pair have worked together, both for Bayern and during their previous appearances for the national team.
“Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic are playing superbly together. They already played brilliantly together for the national team, and now they are outstanding against Arsenal,” Klopp said.
However, he was quick to defend Kimmich, who remains an important figure for Germany. The midfielder recently demonstrated his quality against RB Leipzig, according to Klopp, who believes the national team should benefit from having multiple options in every position.
“Joshua is an outstanding player with outstanding qualities. He has just shown that against Leipzig,” Klopp explained.
Rather than viewing the competition for places as a problem, Klopp sees it as an opportunity to rotate and maintain Germany’s quality across the squad.
“We need more than two players per position who can perform at this level in the national team. It’s great for us if Kimmich can play with Nmecha and Pavlo with Tom Bischof, and we can rotate and bring in other players like Mika Baur and Jannik Engelhardt.”
For Klopp, the message is clear: Germany need depth, not just a settled starting eleven. Strong performances from Bayern’s emerging midfielders could give the national team more tactical flexibility without diminishing Kimmich’s importance.
