Kimmich to take over as Germany captain
Germany men's football coach Julian Nagelsmann said Monday he had tapped Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich to take over as national team captain. Kimmich was a "role model for the whole group", Nagelsmann said at a press conference ahead of Germany's Nations League fixture against Hungary in Duesseldorf on Saturday. "He always gives his all, he always wants to train – sometimes too much – he is never tired, he always wants to win," Nagelsmann said. Kimmich, 29, was "number one" in a player leadership group alongside Real Madrid defender Antonio Ruediger and Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, Nagelsmann said. All three had a "good connection" with the rest of the squad, the coach added. Kimmich takes over from Ilkay Gundogan, who captained Germany at Euro 2024 on home soil before retiring from international football in August. Kimmich has served as vice-captain of Germany since September 2023, having been promoted to the role behind Gundogan by former coach Hansi Flick, and is one of the country's most experienced players. The midfielder will be tasked with leading a new generation of German footballers, with Gundogan as well as 2014 World Cup winners Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller and Manuel Neuer all retiring from international duty in recent weeks. (AFP)