Hamann urges Kimmich to step away from Germany duty after World Cup disappointment

Joshua Kimmich has made it clear that he has no intention of retiring from international duty following Germany‘s shocking World Cup round of 32 exit against Paraguay.

However, former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that is the wrong decision, arguing it would be best for the 31-year-old to close the national team chapter.

“He has now played five tournaments in a position of responsibility. And he has failed five times,” Hamann said on the TOMorrow Business podcast (via Sport.de). 

“He has never made it past the quarterfinals, and then he stands there and says he is not running away. This has nothing to do with running away, but with taking responsibility. It has to do with insight

“From a player like that, I expect him to take responsibility and say: I tried everything – and you can’t blame him for that – I didn’t succeed, now I’m stepping away.”

According to Hamann, a voluntary retirement from international football would be a meaningful “statement” from the Germany captainn.

“I would think extremely highly of that,” he said. “I would wish for it to happen. It would be a statement, and things need to change. We cannot continue like this.”

If he were to succeed the departing Julian Nagelsmann as Germany coach, Hamann said he would not include Kimmich in his squad.

“I wouldn’t call him up anymore. Other players must be given a chance. I’m of the opinion that Kimmich should no longer play a role in the national team.”

Hamann went further, stating that he doesn’t consider the Bayern Munich midfielder to be “world class”.

“I don’t see Kimmich as a world-class player. He is a very good player. But he is not world-class in central midfield. Is he world-class as a right-back? No, he is a good player there too,” he said.

According to the former Liverpool midfielder, Kimmich’s achievements at Bayern shouldn’t be overestimated.

“The German players in Munich are passengers. The games are won by Olise, Díaz and Kane. Tah, Pavlović and Kimmich accompany them. It was a very good season. They do it better than most others. But the games are decided by others.”