Nagelsmann reveals plan to move Kimmich back to central midfield for Germany

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann intends to move Joshua Kimmich from right-back to central midfield.

For most of his tenure as Germany coach, Julian Nagelsmann has deployed Joshua Kimmich at right back rather than in central midfield, where he plays for Bayern Munich.

However, Nagelsmann revealed at the International Coaches Congress in Leipzig that this will most likely change going forward.

Unlike most of the alternatives at the central midfield position – such as Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Pascal Groß and Robert Andrich – Kimmich consistently plays for his club, which Nagelsmann cited as a crucial factor behind his decision.

“As things stand, he [Kimmich] will return to the number six position because he is simply one of two or three players who will always play for their club,” Nagelsmann said.

“Given the short time we have until the World Cup, we don’t have the option to gamble too much on the position and risk having players who may only get 30 or 50 percent playing time at their clubs. Unfortunately, that risk exists with many other candidates for the number six position.

“We have to make sure we have players who are in rhythm. As things stand, we will move Josh back to the number six position. If the usual right-back candidates fail across the board – which I don’t expect – then that could change.”