Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann stresses the importance of structure on a team

After seeing Joshua Kimmich play right-back for Germany at the European Championships, Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann reaffirmed that he is committed to Kimmich playing a defensive midfield role.

“I have already emphasized that I already plan for him mostly on six. Still, I’m someone who doesn’t always fix one position in advance and then everyone falls out of the clouds when he plays something different,” Nagelsmann told Sky Sport. “He will rarely start at right-back, I can tell you that, but it can happen that we have to change the game, that we somehow have to be even more offensive. But basically Josh is strongest when he has a central role. And he has the central role in the central six position or the double six.”

Nagelsmann, however, wanted to ensure that everyone was aware he was not criticizing Joachim Löw.

“Jogi has the boys in training. He sees what the guys are doing in training and how it fits together. Of course, he also had an idea and then other players in the central position. This is a very successful coach, who is world champion, he can decide for himself how he sets up,” Nagelsmann said. “I think I wouldn’t be excited if Jogi calls after every Bundesliga game and asks me why I put that one there and that one there. You have to let everyone do their job. It also includes making decisions and ultimately evaluating the decision for yourself.”

In the end, Nagelsmann just wants a strong foundation for his squad.

“I’m also someone who attaches great importance to the structure of the team. You just have to make sure that there is good chemistry in the locker room,” said Nagelsmann. “Sometimes it is not the most important thing to always have the top stars. With Italy as an example, the structure is very important.”