BFW Commentary: Bayern Munich needs to save Joshua Kimmich from himself

It is extremely hard for any coach to pry Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich off of the pitch. His intense mindset, full-throttle approach, and seemingly endless gas tank make him a coach’s dream.

Kimmich is dependable, productive, and leaves his heart and soul all over the pitch. Now, however, Julian Nagelsmann needs to start saving the 26-year-old from himself.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Kimmich has not exactly looked to be at his best this season so far, but the grind he has endured has been, well, grinding. The player suffered meniscus damage on November 11th, 2020 when Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland ran through his leg like a freight train. The Germany international returned on December 19th for a 22-minute appearance against Bayer Leverkusen, but has been an absolute workhorse since that time.

Kimmich missed Bayern Munich’s March 20th contest against VfB Stuttgart due to the flu, but has played 90 minutes in all but six games across all competitions since that point to date for the Bavarians. More, Kimmich played 90 minutes in four of six World Cup Qualifiers, two Germany friendlies, and all four games at the Euro 2020 competition.

The man needs a break.

Bayern Munich fans love Kimmich’s high-motor and they certainly fawn over his passion, but the club and its coaches are going to have to talk him off the ledge at some point and get him to accept some time off. Simply put, Kimmich is too important to the Bayern Munich machine to let him wear down because he does not know how to ramp it down a bit.

Hopefully Nagelsmann gives Kimmich a break this weekend against VfL Bochum. Bayern Munich just acquired Marcel Sabitzer and this would be the perfect time to convince Kimmich he could use a rest, while also getting Sabitzer some key minutes to help his integration into the squad.