Yahoo Sports Joshua Kimmich discusses Germany post Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gündogan retirements
Joshua Kimmich has taken upon a new role in the German national team following the retirement of Ilkay Gündogan. Julian Nagelsmann awarded the Bayern Munich player with the captaincy as Die Mannschaft enter a new generation.
Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Gündogan and Thomas Müller all confirmed their international retirements post Euro 2024 exit.
But Germany’s new generation got off to a thrilling start in the UEFA Nations League. A 5-0 thrashing against Hungary in Düsseldorf, Jamal Musiala scored one and created three, with Niclas Füllkrug, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz also on the scoresheet.
“It’s always difficult to replace people like that, especially with experience,” said Kimmich. “But it’s also important for the young players to grow into it. We hope for more games like that.”
Kimmich also commented on Germany’s performance, adding: “We controlled the game well and could have actually led by more in the first half. Then I wouldn’t have thought that we would play like that in the second half because I didn’t think we were that good in the first five to ten minutes.”
Germany will now travel to Amsterdam ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Netherlands.
