Joshua Kimmich wants Bayern Munich to rematch PSG, with Leo Messi this time

In a long interview with the club magazine 51, Bayern Munich star (and possible future captain) Joshua Kimmich discussed his recent contract extension as well as his future goals for the club. Chief among them was his ambitions in the Champions League, which the 26-year-old spoke about extensively. It looks like after having tasted glory once, Kimmich can’t wait to have it again.

“I always used to think that if you didn’t win the Champions League, you’d failed”, said the midfielder. “With the generation of Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, people also said they weren’t complete if they didn’t win that title.”

Kimmich’s words will definitely resonate with many Bayern fans, for whom UCL glory has slowly become an obsession. In the seven years between the 2013 and 2020 triumphs, Bayern always fell agonizingly short. That being said, Kimmich doesn’t seem to be going overboard.

“I’ve learned that one day, looking back, I won’t make my career dependent on success alone,” said the player. “My motivation for playing football was never to win titles or become famous, but to have fun. That’s why I could hardly wait for the return of spectators because that was what I actually dreamed of as a child, giving everything in a full stadium. I want to sit there at 40 and say my career was fun – every day.”

“Of course, a central point is also that we play for the Champions League every year here. It’s my biggest goal to win that title again, and I’d be unhappy if we didn’t win the Champions League in the next few years. So please don’t misunderstand my statement just now. I didn’t mean I want to sit there and say the main thing is that I had fun. I’m ambitious, and it’s always more fun when you win. They say you learn the most from defeats, but then I prefer to lose the unimportant games.”

Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

If anyone ever asks you what Mia San Mia means, it’s that statement right there. Winning and ambition is a part of Bayern’s DNA, and a player like Josh embodies that in spades. Speaking of which, you probably clicked onto this article to find out what he said about PSG. Well, here you go ...

“I’d love to play against Paris,” said Kimmich. “That’s one of the most beautiful and interesting challenges there is. I’ve enjoyed playing against them the last few years, and that hasn’t changed.”

Of course, by adding Leo Messi this summer, PSG have only gotten more formidable in the attacking front. With a front four consisting of Neymar, Mbappe, Di Maria, and Messi, plus the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Marco Verratti in supporting roles, the Parisians have built a true superteam. However, Kimmich is unconcerned by the competition.

“I think Bayern can be proud of the fact that this club is doing things a slightly different way than many others in Europe,” said the player. “The fans can identify with that, and that’s important. Sometimes I get the impression that everything is spiralling upwards because everyone is looking far too much to the left or the right. I think it makes more sense when you look after yourself and find your own way. That goes for clubs as well as players.”

This is it. This is pure Mia San Mia. You can see why Joshua Kimmich didn’t need an agent to negotiate his new deal — he’s already home. In just a few short years he has quickly become one of the cornerstones of the club, and could shape our future for years.