By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Joshua Kimmich's recent statements could serve as a wake-up call for his generation. The 29-year-old has taken on a leadership role in the Germany national team following the retirement of key players like Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan. "We have nothing to lose, as time is running out for us to win a major title," Kimmich said.
As Germany prepares for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary on Saturday and the Netherlands on Monday, the pressure is mounting on the newly-formed squad. These games are seen as a critical test for a team in transition, as coach Julian Nagelsmann has his sights set on the 2026 World Cup title.
Recently appointed as the new captain, Kimmich succeeds Manchester City midfielder Gundogan, a player to whom he has often been compared. Kimmich emphasized that none of his generation have yet won a significant title, and they must seize every opportunity to change that.
Kimmich's emotional reaction after Germany's painful exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar remains fresh in the minds of fans, where he expressed concerns about being part of a "loser generation". Now, he sees taking responsibility in this rebuilding phase as crucial.
Alongside Kimmich, the newly anointed leaders of the team include Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has taken over from Neuer, and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger. These players are expected to be key figures for Germany after the 2024 UEFA European Championship.
German sports magazine "Kicker" referred to this period as the last chance for the current generation, noting that the Nations League - previously considered a secondary competition - has gained significant importance.
Kimmich cited Spain as an example to follow, noting how the Euro 2024 champions began to find their form not during the major tournaments, but earlier in the Nations League. With 91 caps to his name, Kimmich believes that Germany's performance in the 2024/25 Nations League will lay the foundation for success at the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 European Championships.
Coach Nagelsmann is pushing for positive results to build the team's confidence and cohesion. Midfielder Pascal Gross, who recently moved to Borussia Dortmund after seven years at Brighton, echoed the sentiment, stating that winning must become routine again. The 33-year-old could play a decisive role as the Germany midfield undergoes significant changes following Kroos's retirement.
With heightened expectations ahead of the Nations League, it is crucial for Kimmich to back up his passionate words with action. For the 2014 World Cup champions, the time for excuses has run out. ■
