Bayern Munich kept their season alive by delivering a quality performance against Arsenal on Wednesday. The Bavarian club clinched a 1-0 win against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate. Bayern will face Real Madrid later this month in the semi-final of the Champions League.
Joshua Kimmich was the hero for Bayern on Wednesday. The German midfielder scored a bullet header just after the hour mark to put Die Roten ahead on the night and in the tie. It was a phenomenal goal for a player who rarely scores with his head.
Kimmich was one of Bayern’s top performers against Arsenal. Thomas Tuchel continued to use him as a right-back after a string of good performances from the German international in this role over the last few weeks.
The German midfielder had a point to prove after being criticized for his performances for Bayern this season. It has been an indifferent campaign for Kimmich. While talking to Sky Sports after the win against Arsenal, Kimmich insisted that the goal against Arsenal was one of the most memorable moments of his career. The German midfielder also revealed that he has received little backing from Bayern amidst criticism throughout the season.
""It was the most important goal of my career. It feels very good. I had to listen to a lot of criticism this year and received very little backing - but this proves hard work always pays off." "Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich’s comments suggest that everything is not fine between him and Bayern. His future at Bayern has been subject to speculation throughout the campaign. The club chiefs are planning a squad overhaul in the summer. Kimmich may end up leaving the club to make way for new arrivals.
Bayern are expected to hold talks with Kimmich at the end of the season. Max Eberl has confirmed that Kimmich wants to know the new head coach before deciding on his future. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have a concrete interest in the German international.
The 29-year-old midfielder was expected to spend his career in Bavaria and become the club captain. However, things have certainly gone sour behind the scenes. Bayern reportedly do not consider Kimmich an indispensable squad member, which points to a transfer away from Munich in the summer.
Kimmich has been an incredible player for Bayern since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2015. He has helped Die Roten win several trophies, including the treble in 2020. If this is his last season at Bayern, it will be fitting if the German international helps the club bring back the Champions League trophy to Allianz Arena.