Joshua Kimmich: 'I have to play'

Joshua Kimmich and Jonas in action during the Champions League quarter-final between Bayern Munich and Benfica on April 5, 2016
© AFP
Joshua Kimmich says that while it is "absolutely fantastic" to represent Bayern Munich, the Germany international wants regular first-team football next term.

Joshua Kimmich has admitted that while it is "absolutely fantastic" to represent Bayern Munich, the Germany international wants regular first-team football during the 2017-18 campaign.

Kimmich, 22, placed his Bayern future into doubt when he complained about a lack of opportunities last season, having started just 15 of his team's 38 Bundesliga matches during the 2016-17 campaign.

Philipp Lahm's retirement is expected to see Kimmich promoted to Bayern's first-choice right-back, however, and the German has revealed a desire to become one of the first names on the team sheet.

"In the last two years, I played more times than a number of people had," Kimmich told L'Equipe. "I think I've developed my game and Bayern are one of the best three clubs in the world.

"Few players have the chance to become part of this club. It's absolutely fantastic to be part of Bayern. What's important now is to play. And, for the moment, I prefer to play at right-back than to be on the bench.

"I'm playing as a midfielder at Bayern and right-back with the national team. Every two months, I have to get re-accustomed to the position. But my feelings as a right-back are getting better thanks to the time I spend with the national team."

Kimmich, who has previously been linked with Manchester United, has played a key role in Germany reaching the final of the Confederations Cup in Russia this summer.

Bayern Munich's Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso waits ahead the training of the German first division Bundesliga team FC Bayern Munich at the team club area in Munich, southern Germany, on July 7, 2015
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1Augsburg00000000
2Bayer LeverkusenB. Leverkusen00000000
3Bayern Munich00000000
4Borussia DortmundDortmund00000000
5Borussia MonchengladbachBorussia M'bach00000000
6Eintracht FrankfurtFrankfurt00000000
7FC Koln00000000
8Freiburg00000000
9Hamburger SV00000000
10Hannover00000000
11Hertha Berlin00000000
12Hoffenheim00000000
13Mainz 0500000000
14RB Leipzig00000000
15Schalke 04Schalke00000000
16Stuttgart00000000
17Werder Bremen00000000
18Wolfsburg00000000