Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich focused ahead of weekend clash vs. Borussia Dortmund

Joshua Kimmich is a man for the big occasions and in the past couple of matches against Borussia Dortmund, he’s provided some of the big moments in helping Bayern Munich secure victories.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash against their bitter Bundesliga rivals at the Allianz Arena, Kimmich gave an interview to Bayern’s official web site, reflecting on Klassikers of the recent past, and is looking forward to this weekend’s version.

Kimmich suffered a knee injury trying to tackle Erling Haaland on the counter attack and the injury kept him sidelined from mid-November to mid-December. Despite being incredibly eager to mark his return to action, Kimmich admitted that he was careful about not rushing back to early.

“Unfortunately, I was injured in the last game against Dortmund. I actually felt very, very good before the game. I didn’t feel like I was tired. It was an accident that happened,” said Kimmich. “I immediately tried to concentrate on the comeback. For me, however, it was primarily important not to come back as quickly as possible, but as strong as before. And so far, I have succeeded quite well.”

Kimmich’s fighting mentality is absolutely necessary for these kinds of matches.

“We need absolute will in every game, not just against Dortmund. But especially against Dortmund — in a game in which two teams are almost at eye level. We are a few points ahead, but Dortmund has the quality to play along,” said Kimmich. “Therefore, in the end, the mentality may make all the difference. So, you have to realize that we absolutely want that.”

Photo by ANDREAS GEBERT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

As it stands, Bayern is two points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga table, and thirteen points ahead of Dortmund, who currently occupy the fifth spot. Bayern have a track record of really getting the better of Dortmund at the Allianz Arena and Kimmich is hopeful that trend will continue this weekend.

“Games against Dortmund are always special. Since I’ve been here, they have always been our main competitor,” Kimmich said. “The games were mostly very close, especially in Dortmund. At home we could often decide for ourselves and that is our goal this time too. But we know the quality of BVB and that’s why it’s a special game, I think for the fans too.”