MUNICH (DPA, CONVERSEER) – Former Germany coach Joachim Löw has backed Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to field captain Joshua Kimmich as right back and to call up Leon Goretzka in midfield.
Kimmich started as a right back but has moved into midfield at his club Bayern Munich and has also played there for the national team. However, he now on the right again there because of a lack of options.
“I think that Joshua plays at world class level in both positions,” Löw said in an interview with Wednesday’s edition of the Sport Bild weekly.
“At the moment I would say: Joshua is in the right position on the right because we have players in central midfield who have the level to reach the top.”
Löw, who led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, also supported Nagelsmann’s decision to call up Goretzka and name him a potentially important player at the World Cup in summer although he is not a regular starter in Munich.
“I understand his nomination. Leon is good, he is a player from whom you can expect stability. And maybe the most important thing: You can rely on Leon,” Löw said.
“(Aleksandar) Pavlovic is also good, no doubt. Especially at Bayern you need players which can replaced at the same level. I would definitely bank on Leon at the World Cup, absolutely.”
Germany play tune-up matches in Switzerland on Friday and against Ghana on Monday. At the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada they play Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group stage.
