Kimmich to Remain Germany Captain Under Klopp

Germany’s World Cup campaign ended with a flat Round of 32 exit, but one thing around the national team looks set to stay the same: Joshua Kimmich as captain.

Rudi Völler, speaking at the International Coaches’ Congress in Mainz, made it clear he expects continuity when Jürgen Klopp steps into the dugout.

“I assume so,” the sporting director said when asked if Kimmich would remain skipper, according to DPA. For Völler, the case is straightforward.

“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 firm, but not a decree. Völler underlined that the final call belongs to Klopp, who is preparing for his first camp in charge of the national side. The new head coach has yet to publicly lay out his captaincy plans in detail, but his early remarks have not hinted at a shake-up.

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

Kimmich only took the armband recently, stepping into the role after Euro 2024 as successor to Ilkay Gündogan. Now, as Germany tries to rebuild its identity under Klopp after another early tournament exit, all signs point to the Bayern Munich stalwart remaining at the heart of that project — with the captain’s band still wrapped around his arm.