Germany's Kimmich hails 'very, very brave' Karl before expected debut
Germany's Joshua Kimmich speaks during a press conference of the German National team ahead of the international friendly match against Switzerland. Federico Gambarini/dpa Germany captain Joshua Kimmich is counting on the special abilities of his Bayern Munich team-mates Lennart Karl and Jamal Musiala at the World Cup this June. Karl, 18, has been included in the Germany squad for the first time for World Cup warm-ups in Switzerland on Friday and three days later against Ghana in Stuttgart.
They are the last two friendlies before the initial squad needs to be named for June and July's tournament in North America. "He is someone who goes onto the pitch and is very, very brave. That is actually something I always love as a player or team-mate when young players come in and when they are brave, when they back themselves," Kimmich told a news conference on Tuesday about Karl.
"When Lenny comes on ... he knows his strengths, he looks for actions where he can get a shot away. That is why I believe he can help us here and also at Bayern - he has already done that there - but he can also help us here.
" Kimmich is also hoping for a specific World Cup impact from Musiala, who is missing from this squad as he continues to seek full fitness following a broken leg last July. The 23-year-old is "incredibly important" for Bayern and the national team "because he brings qualities that are very special in world football," Kimmich said. Musiala has shown in his matches for Bayern since his comeback that he can still "make the difference," Kimmich added.
"He has already shown that he is a very special player. " Musiala last played for the national team a year ago in the Nations League quarter-final play-offs against Italy. 2018 and 2022 flops mean extra focus needed in 2026 Kimmich also said he will not be distracted by his disappointing tournament experiences so far and is demanding total focus on the World Cup from his team mates.