Kimmich not getting carried away

Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is not getting carried away following his rise to prominence and is determined to keep on improving.

The versatile 21-year-old joined Bayern from Stuttgart ahead of the 2015-16 campaign and has quickly established himself as an important first-team member at the Allianz Arena.

But despite a return of five goals in nine largely impressive appearances, he remains humble amid his recent success.

“I came to Bayern from the second division last year and not too many people knew who I was, but that’s all different now,” the Germany international told the DFB website.

“I played a few games last season and came back from the Euros as an international player. It’s certainly meant that the demands and expectations of me have changed. But I’m still just really happy to play any minute that I can get out on the pitch.

“The pressure hasn’t really increased, because I probably put most pressure on myself, but the level of attention has grown.

“My name comes up more often in the media and I’m being asked for autographs more often. That wasn’t the case a year ago, when I could still get on the team bus without anyone knowing who I was. 

“Both with Bayern and with the national team, I have a lot of team-mates who have achieved a lot more than me – most of them are world champions, European champions or Champions League winners.

“They have a lot more to live up to. Just because I’m now playing regularly and scoring the odd goal or two, that’s still nothing compared to Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller or Xabi Alonso.”