Kimmich to Remain Germany Captain Under Klopp

Germany may be licking their wounds after a limp Round of 32 World Cup exit, but one pillar of continuity is already emerging in the Jürgen Klopp era: Joshua Kimmich is expected to stay on as captain.

Rudi Völler, Germany’s sporting director, made that clear at the International Coaches’ Congress in Mainz, speaking to DPA. Asked whether Kimmich would remain skipper under the new head coach, Völler replied: “I assume so.”

That was not a throwaway line. Völler underlined why the Bayern Munich man still commands such trust at the top of the national setup.

“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 unmistakable: Germany may change coach, but they are not about to rip up the hierarchy in the dressing room without a compelling reason.

Völler did, however, leave the formal call where it belongs – with Klopp. The former Liverpool manager will make his own assessment once he steps fully into the role, yet Völler pointed to Klopp’s early remarks as a signpost.

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

Kimmich only took the armband after Euro 2024, inheriting it from Ilkay Gündogan. The tenure has already seen turbulence, with the World Cup disappointment raising questions about direction, identity, and leadership.

What it has not done, at least for now, is shake faith in the man wearing the band.

Klopp arrives with a reputation for building tight, fiercely loyal cores around strong personalities. If Völler’s reading is right, Kimmich will be at the heart of that project – not just as a starter, but as the voice that carries Klopp’s demands onto the pitch.