Kimmich: Euro 2016 would be a dream for me

Joshua Kimmich is regarded as one of the biggest talents in German football. And more: he is regarded as a "second Philipp Lahm" when it comes to precise passing and tactical variety.

The right-back and midfielder has now been selected by German head-coach Joachim Loew in the provisional EURO 2016 squad. It has come after the youngster' s consistent top level performances for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

"I love new input from experienced players and coaches," said Kimmich, 21, in a recent Xinhua interview, "Euro 2016 would be a dream for me."

Xinhua: A spectacular season lies behind you. If someone had told you the day before Bayern Munich called what would happen, would you have believed him?

Kimmich: I wouldn' t have believed him. But I' m sure no one expected something like that to happen. Many regarded it as a mistake to join Bayern Munich as a young player as the squad is full of world-class stars. Now I' ve played 23 league games and 11 in the Champions League. I' m very happy about everything and it shows it was the right decision to join Bayern Munich. But I know at the same time Bayern Munich is a club you have to prove yourself everyday and stay hungry.

Xinhua: Your roots lie in the youth and second team at VfB Stuttgart and then RB Leipzig which was in the third division at the time.

Kimmich: For many people it was a surprise that Joshua Kimmich joined Bayern Munich. People thought he will have to wait and will have very few chances to play in the first team. Now it is easy to say that I was right to join such a big club like Munich. But I have to admit, almost everything has gone perfectly for me.

Xinhua: At the age of 18, you played in the second division for the first time, at the age of 20 and 21 your appeared in your first Bundesliga and Champions League games - for us it sounds like a flying start to your career. Almost too good to dream of in your sleep?

Kimmich: As a young player you have to wait for your chance. In my case, the chances came rather quickly. We had several injured players and suddenly there was some space for me. At first, it was my goal to be part of an extraordinary squad and to catch up with those who can fall back on a lot of experience. I' m still working on that despite the games I played so far. But I knew when you get a chance as a young player, you have to take it. Xinhua: In important games like the Champions League, you took on the job as a central defender. One meter 76 tall, you are not amongst the tallest in Bayern' s squad. You did a great job despite you not being a regular in the position.

Kimmich: I played in central defense when I was 13 at my home club VfB Stuttgart and my favorite position is in central defensive midfield. But in today' s football, you have to be versatile and be able to play different positions. But I have to admit that I am not the tallest and maybe in other clubs I wouldn' t be a man for the central defense. At Bayern though, you are not under constant heavy fire at the back as the team has a high percentage of possession. That means you don' t have too many aerial duels, we try to work more with solutions using the foot and are try to be inventive going forward. In addition, you have a lot of highly experienced guys next to you. It makes things easier.

Xinhua: In football, the gap between youth and second team football and the senior team is a top topic. How big is the step and how did you manage so well?

Kimmich: For me, it was right to join RB Leipzig in the third division after my last year in the youth team. Looking back it was the right as I got used to life in the senior team far quicker. We also got promoted to the second division. In my case, you could say it was done step by step in the end right up to a top club like Bayern. Others go directly into professional football on a higher level.

Xinhua: On the pitch you seem to be very experienced and cool. Are you?

Kimmich: (laughing) Oh, I' m happy if it looks like that. I just try to be myself. You have to stay calm and confident. As I said, try to be yourself and show your skills. That is the best way. You can give what you can give and if you do that 100 per cent, you' re on the right track.

Xinhua: We can imagine that you are cool in Bundesliga games - but Champions League games must be much more thrilling, despite so many experienced team mates around you?

Kimmich: I tell you it helps to have them around. They give you the feeling that they will support you no matter if you make mistakes. And, when you are in the tunnel onto the pitch and you hear the Champions League hymn you are really excited and you want to go outside and be part of everything.

Xinhua: You are regarded as one of the biggest talents in German football. How easy is it to meet expectations?

Kimmich: I never had the feeling, I have to meet expectation by all means. But in general, you play football at that level to make it to the top and win games. I try to stay calm and give my all in the next training session and the next day.

Xinhua: How important is the coach in regard of young players. How did Pep Guardiola influence the start to your career?

Kimmich: He had an immense influence of course. I joined the club when he was coach and he gave me the opportunity to play that often, not only when we had several injured players. He gave me confidence and trusted me in important games, not only in the Champions League, but also in the game against Borussia Dortmund. If you feel that amount of trust, things might be a little bit easier.

Xinhua: You never considered joining another club giving you a perhaps better chance of playing for the first team as a young player?

Kimmich: When Bayern called and said they were interested in signing me, it was no question for me to say "yes" . To get such a chance at such a great club, is something you don' t get that often. After all it means they see a chance that you can make it. They don' t sign young players they are not convinced about. I saw the chance to compete with the world' s best. I thought it can' t be a mistake to try. Even if I don´t make it, there will then be possibilities at other clubs. But from the beginning I wanted to make it and I still do. To get so many games last season does not mean I have made it already. To play for Bayern means, proving yourself every day.

Xinhua: For young players, training sessions are the stage to show their skills. What are your feelings? Is it something between don' t make too many mistakes and I have to show them what I can give the team?

Kimmich: No matter which club you join, you have to get used to the new club and the new people. But thinking about avoiding mistakes is the wrong strategy. You should concentrate on actually doing what you can do. And don´t give up when a mistake happens. When they do happen, you have to go one and show you can deal with such situations. After all, they also happen in games and there is no chance of you giving up.

Xinhua: Looking at your game, some people see similarities to Philipp Lahm who is a top solution as right back or midfield? You seem to provide a similar amount of versatility.

Kimmich: (laughing) Honestly, I wouldn' t compare myself to such an outstanding player like Philipp Lahm who has won everything in football. But I can imagine playing a lot of position such as right back. But to catch up with a person like Philipp Lahm and his extraordinary international reputation, there is still a very long way to go.

Xinhua: But he is a shining example for you. His passing quality is world class and he is constantly on the highest level?

Kimmich: He is a shining example for a lot of players. When he plays, no matter in which position, he is always on the highest level producing a world class performance. He has a remarkable football brain and never has off days. It is no bad idea to watch his game and training and learn from him.

Xinhua: Philipp Lahm retired from the German national team. What about you when it comes to the German national team?

Kimmich: It' s always been a dream of mine to play for Germany one day. Until now I' ve never been selected. I wouldn' t say no to the German national team. At the same time, there is the German national team for the Olympic Games in Brazil. It might be another possibility. But of course to be picked by the German head coach Joachim Loew is the ultimate and a dream.

Xinhua: It looks as if a thrilling summer is lying ahead of you - you have been selected for the 27-player squad by Joachim Loew and after the US-Tour of Bayern there is a new club coach, Carlo Ancelotti, awaits.

Kimmich: New chances are always thrilling and I will try my best. I' m extremely happy about being given the chance and will do all I can to be part of Germany' s final 23-player squad for the tournament in France. But before that don' t forget we want to win the German cup final against Borussia Dortmund. I will get a lot of new experience and will be able to learn a lot. The most important thing is to give your all for your team, no matter which one. Endit