Bayern Munich interim manager Hansi Flick has tipped right-back Joshua Kimmich to play in the central midfield.
There have been a lot of debate and widespread reports among the Bavarian fans for over three seasons; if Joshua Kimmich is best suited as a right-back or a central defensive midfielder?
Kimmich has shuffled in between these positions [right-back & central defensive midfield] under previous managers like Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Jupp Heynckes, Niko Kovac, and under current interim manager Hansi Flick.
Each of these managers had their preference on where he’s most effective. Some argued that he is one of the best right-backs in the world, while others had different opinions saying he is better in the number 6 role in midfield.
Flick said in an interview about Flick that Kimmich’s future lies in the central defensive midfield where he can have the opportunity to move forward.
The manager went on to say, “I think he is more experienced in that position, and he has a greater knowledge of the game in that area of the pitch.”
“He has been playing this position for some time now, and I hope he does so in the national team as well. He has a lot of potential in the central defensive midfield. He is more focused and can read the game with or without the ball”.
Flick went on to reveal that he has had proper conversations with Hasan Salihamidzic and Karl-Heinz Rummeningge to bring in a right-back so that Kimmich can be entirely devoted to the central midfield position. And this has led to the rumors that Bayern is interested in RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann, who could cement the right-back position.
With the long term absence of Niklas Sule, Lucas Hernandez, and now Javi Martinez, options are the back are few for Flick. He has made a lot of makeshift rotation for players like Benjamin Pavard and the impressive Alphonso Davies at the end. Nevertheless, Flick seems determined to keep Kimmich in midfield.