Bayern Munich: Joshua Kimmich endured tough time under Carlo Ancelotti
Joshua Kimmich speaks up about problems he faced during Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich received a massive blow before the international break as Joshua Kimmich limped off the pitch against Borussia Dortmund. The German midfielder underwent surgery this week, ruling him out of action for at least two months. Kimmich is likely to be back by mid-January.
The German international has become the most valuable player for Die Roten in central midfield. After delivering two world-class campaigns in the right-back position, Kimmich moved into the center of the park last season. His presence in midfield has allowed Die Roten to dominate some of the best teams in Europe.
However, things were not always smooth for Kimmich at Bayern. He arrived at the club in 2015 from RB Leipzig and became a utility player for Pep Guardiola. Kimmich filled in the center of the defense under Guardiola, showing maturity on and off the ball.
After the departure of Guardiola, Kimmich found it difficult to get regular playing time under Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking to the club’s official podcast (via SportBild), Kimmich admitted that he doubted himself on few occasions under the Italian manager. He didn’t blame the manager but stressed on the fact that despite achieving everything on the pitch, players often doubt themselves.
"“I also had a more difficult phase at Bayern when Carlo was there. I had a very good first year with Pep beforehand. I came as a second division player and was a national player at the end of the season. I’ve taken a big step there.”“Under Carlo’s, I first had to queue up at the back of the line, and then you have days when you drive home and ask yourself: Is that enough? Is your quality enough to play at Bayern Munich? There are phases like this every now and then ”"
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There was speculation about Kimmich’s future during Ancelotti’s first season, but the departure of Philipp Lahm opened up a place in the starting XI. Kimmich seamlessly adapted to the right-back position in the next two years. The German midfielder was the most prolific right-back in Europe at that time due to his assists from crosses and killer passes.
Despite enjoying success as a right-back, Kimmich always insisted that he wants to play regularly in central midfield. The arrival of Benjamin Pavard from VfB Stuttgart in 2019 allowed Kimmich to play in his favoured position. He did fill in the right-back position occasionally, but his expansive range of passing was on full display when he was deployed in the center of the park.
Bayern also wants to stick with Kimmich in midfield. They have added more depth in the right-back position in the summer by signing Bouna Sarr from Marseille. Adequate depth in this position will make sure that Kimmich continues to keep things ticking in midfield.
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Kimmich has established himself as one of the best and consistent players in the world. Despite admitting that he doubts himself at times, but that thought process is never reflected in his game. He is going to get even better when he enters the peak of his career. At the moment, Flick and Bayern fans will be hoping that he recovers well and returns soon to help the team.