By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Joshua Kimmich is visibly enjoying the resurgence of the German national team.
Ahead of Saturday's UEFA Nations League match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Freiburg, the journey of the 2014 FIFA World Cup champions seems to be approaching a positive turning point.
The rise from rock bottom back to the top tells the successful story of the struggling German team under coach Julian Nagelsmann, as well as the rejuvenation of Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
"A year ago, the situation was like: When is Kimmich finally gone?" the 29-year-old said, highlighting the team's resurgence and new goals, such as aiming to win the 2024/25 Nations League and the 2026 World Cup, which have created a renewed and positive atmosphere.
"It was hard for fans to identify with us. We have regained fans' trust, which might be the biggest achievement," Kimmich added, referring to the painful years marked by early exits from the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Despite the renewed excitement, the setbacks and questions regarding his position at Bayern have left deep scars. Although Bayern has expressed its intention to extend Kimmich's contract, the German captain appears to be considering a potential move away from the Bavarian club.
German record international and TV pundit Lothar Matthaeus called a potential departure a major setback for Bayern. Meanwhile, Kimmich is reportedly evaluating offers from leading European clubs, including Barcelona.
"To decide for the future is always the most important decision for a player," he noted, as his Bayern contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Kimmich remains fully committed to helping the national team regain its former success.
Following the World Cup exit in Qatar, Kimmich voiced his concern that his generation might be remembered as one that "never won anything."
With qualification for the Nations League knockout stage now within reach, things have changed. "The confidence gained in the Nations League is vital on the way to the 2026 title," he stated.
From Kimmich's perspective, success is building toward a significant title, as demonstrated by the stories of the 2018 World Cup winners France and the 2024 European champions Spain.
The new attitude of wanting to win every game has become the guiding principle for Germany, following the low points of losses to Turkey (3-2) and Austria (2-0) a year ago.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries ahead of the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the team's goal is to keep moving forward and return to the ranks of the top footballing nations.
"The conviction is back that we can beat the big nations," Kimmich said after recent victories over France (2-0) and the Netherlands (2-1), while also emphasizing Germany's goal of qualifying for the Nations League "final four" tournament. ■
