Kimmich to Remain Germany Captain Under Klopp

Germany may be licking their wounds after a limp Round of 32 World Cup exit, but one pillar of continuity looks set to remain: Joshua Kimmich as captain.

Rudi Völler, the national team’s sporting director, made it clear in Mainz that he expects Kimmich to lead the side into the Jürgen Klopp era.

“I assume so,” Völler said at the International Coaches’ Congress, when asked if Kimmich would stay on as skipper, according to DPA.

He did not leave much room for doubt.

“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 message was unmistakable. Germany may be changing coaches, but they are not rushing to change the face of the dressing room.

Völler underlined that the final call lies with Klopp, who is still taking his first steps in the job and weighing up his options. Yet even there, the direction of travel seems obvious.

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

Kimmich only inherited the armband after Euro 2024, stepping in after Ilkay Gündogan’s spell as captain. Now, despite the turbulence of a World Cup flop and the arrival of one of the most charismatic coaches in world football, all signs point to continuity.

Klopp will bring fresh ideas, new energy, and almost certainly some tough decisions. The captaincy, though, looks like one area where he may not feel the need to tear anything up.