Kimmich Surprised By Low

By Max Wise

Bayern Munich’s versatile defender, Joshua Kimmich, says he is baffled by Germany Coach Joachim Low’s decision to forcefully retire Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels from the national team.

Low made the revelation last week as he intends to introduce younger players to take over from the experienced ones.

Muller, 29, Boateng, 30, and Hummels, 30, have 246 German caps between them and were integral members of Die Mannschaft’s victorious World Cup winning squad in Brazil five years ago.

Germany had a horrendous 2018 as the then defending champions finished bottom of a world cup group that contained Sweden, South Korea and Mexico, and they were also relegated from the top tier of the inaugural Nations League.

"I first heard about it from the press, one day later the three boys told me," Kimmich told reporters after Bayern Munich beat Wolfsburg 6-0 on Saturday. "Yes, I was [surprised].

"I know the national team only with these three players. Over the past 10 years, they have shaped the team and made us world champions. They are also my team-mates.

"From a player's point of view, the way was not okay, so I understand that the guys are disappointed.

"Especially when you consider that they are only 29 and 30 years old. Thomas has made 100 games for Germany, for example. Then you have earned another departure.

"Football is often talked about old and young - I think that none of the boys are too old to play in the national team."