Kimmich to Remain Germany Captain Under Klopp Despite World Cup Exit

Germany may be starting a new era under Jürgen Klopp, but one thing looks set to stay the same: the captain.

Despite the national team’s bruising Round of 32 exit at the World Cup, Joshua Kimmich is expected to remain skipper when Klopp takes charge. That was the clear message from sporting director Rudi Völler at the International Coaches’ Congress in Mainz.

“I assume so,” Völler said when asked if Kimmich would continue as captain, according to DPA.

Völler didn’t dress it up. In his eyes, Kimmich has already earned the right to lead.

“Jo Kimmich has proven in many international matches that he is a leader and a great captain. I cannot imagine there will be any major change in that position.”

The hierarchy around the national team clearly sees continuity as a strength at a time of upheaval. Germany’s early World Cup exit has triggered another round of soul-searching, but not, it seems, a debate over the armband.

Völler did underline that the final word belongs to Klopp. The new head coach will shape the dressing room in his own way, as he always has.

Even so, Völler hinted that Klopp’s early signals point in the same direction.

“We have all followed what he has said. You didn’t really get the impression that anything else was planned.”

Kimmich only took over the captaincy after Euro 2024, succeeding Ilkay Gündogan. It was a symbolic handover, from one senior midfielder to another, and a nod to Kimmich’s status at the heart of the squad.

Now the question is not whether he can wear the armband under Klopp, but how far this partnership can drag Germany back towards the top of world football.