Tuchel states intention to keep using Kimmich at right back
FC Bayern München trainer Thomas Tuchel - speaking at his post-match presser last night - has given every indication that Joshua Kimmich will continue to serve as his right-back when the forthcoming Bundesliga round kicks off against Freiburg this coming Friday night.
German national team professional Joshua Kimmich's desire not to return to the right fullback position at which he began his career remains one of the primary reasons why the 29-year-old catches flak in many German footballing circles. It nevertheless appears as if - at this stage of his career - the FC Bayern München professional has little choice but to abide by the wishes of trainers responsible for coaching him at the level of both club and country.
In an interview with Germany's main national newspaper "der Spiegel" late last week Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann reiterated that, for lack of other options, he would turn to Kimmich at the position. Nagelsmann specifically referenced the need for Kimmich to "subordinate" in "the service of his country". Kimmich club coach Thomas Tuchel started Kimmich at right-back in last night's 2-1 win over RB Leipzig, also due to lack of options at the position.
With Noussair Mazraoui and Sacha Boey both out injured, Tuchel has no other choices to turned to insofar as a trained right back is concerned. Midfielder Konrad Laimer has done well when deployed at the position, but the Austrian is also on the mend from injury. Laimer logged his first minutes as a sub in precisely one month last night. The former Leipzig man has been out since departing a midweek makeup fixture against Union Berlin early in late January.
"We have to stop sending players like Laimer into top matches too early," Tuchel said last night, "I'm no longer willing to do that. I'm grateful that Kimmich worked as a right back as I otherwise wouldn't have known who to use. He did an outstanding job and will very likely work there again."