Rafinha: “Rummenigge can say what he wants”

With Philipp Lahm’s retirement, Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was quick to confirm that Joshua Kimmich would be the club’s main option at right back going forward. Now Rafinha has come out with a response to Rummenigge’s comments, and he doesn’t mince words [via kicker]:

Rummenigge can say what he wants ... but Carlo Ancelotti is the coach. He decides who plays or not.

His competition at the position, Joshua Kimmich, has been tipped by many as the heir-apparent to Philipp Lahm. The 22-year-old has played infrequently at club level, but is a starter at the position for the German National Team.

Rafinha believes that he has the quality to fill the position:

I'm trying to do my work. I played with Philipp Lahm for six years and still played in over 200 games for Bayern Munich. I hope I get more playing time this season. I have the quality for it.

While it remains to be seen whether the 31-year-old can indeed beat out his much younger compatriot, the implication is clear. Rafinha is not ready to simply hand over the spot to Kimmich - he will fight for the position.

Quotes translated by John N. Dillon.