"We didn't always play consistently well, but we were very stable. Not in terms of a solid foundation, but in terms of the way we performed together on the pitch. We haven't reached that level recently. But to be honest, we had teams before and after the EUROs with Leverkusen, Frankfurt, and also Bayern, where many players were in form and recommended themselves for the national team. We need teams like that. That might sound a bit strange as an FC Bayern player. For example, I often cross my fingers for Frankfurt or Dortmund when they play. It's important for us as a national team that they perform, as they have some players who are potential candidates for us [national team]. We Bayern players are in very good form right now, and Dortmund also seem very stable at the moment. Well-performing clubs serve as the foundation for a strong national team."
"Believe me, we players are very self-critical. We know when we're playing well or badly. As a team, you can't always influence the result, but you can influence the way you achieve success. We have to work on that. And as for the criticism, we have to deal with it,"
Germany has declined since winning the 2014 World Cup, exiting at the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 and facing intense pressure ahead of 2026. Media scrutiny has intensified after recent matches, including a 4-0 win over Luxembourg that still drew criticism. Matthias Sammer questioned a lack of system while Joshua Kimmich defended the team's collective functioning, saying the side was stable around the EUROs even if not always consistent. Kimmich emphasized the importance of well-performing clubs like Leverkusen, Frankfurt, Bayern and Dortmund as a foundation for national strength and said players are self-critical and must improve how they achieve results.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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