In his first press conference ahead of the September international break (via @iMiaSanMia), Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has named Joshua Kimmich as the new captain.
Kimmich replaces Ilkay Gündogan who retired after Germany were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of EURO 2024. The 29-year-old was the first vice-captain under Gündogan and is by far one of the most experienced players left in the squad having made his debut back in 2016 under Joachim Löw. The vice-captain will be Antonio Rüdiger, who is taking a break from the international team and is not present for this international break, while the third captain will be Kai Havertz.
On the decision, Nagelsmann said:
“The new captains are Joshua Kimmich at number one, Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz as vice captains. I think we have a good mix when it comes to this role. I think we’ve chosen well. They are eager to take on their roles”
Ahead of this international break, Nagelsmann also announced who would be a part of the new team council. With Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Pascal Groß, Niclas Füllkrug and Marc-André ter Stegen all members. On the choosing of the players, Nagelsmann said:
“We have deliberately decided to include one of the three captains in the team council – we have nominated four other players to the team council”.
In the September international break, Germany play two Nations League games against Hungary in Düsseldorf on Saturday before facing the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
