Kimmich returns as captain after father's death in 2:2 draw with Dortmund

Return after bereavement

Joshua Kimmich came back on Saturday, 31 October, after missing the last three competitive matches following the sudden death of his father, Berthold, who was 57. He had rejoined team training on Friday, 30 October, and went straight back into the starting lineup as captain for the Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund. Manuel Neuer, the regular captain, was out with a foot injury, so Jonas Urbig stood in goal. Kimmich said it had been important to come back and try to return to everyday life. Speaking to Sky after the game, he said the week had been very hard for his family and for him personally. He added that standing on the pitch is when he thinks about his father the most.

“The last week has been very hard for my family, and for me too.”

The match and the injuries

Bayern were ahead 1:0 at half-time, and Dayot Upamecano made it 2:1 with Konrad Laimer also on the scoresheet. Dortmund substitute Fabio Silva equalised late, leaving the final score at 2:2. Bayern also lost three attacking players to injury. Ismael Saibari left the Allianz Arena on crutches, Serge Gnabry picked up another muscle problem, and Michael Olise came off hurt, or at least hampered. The club travels to Madrid with a squad that is still depleted.

Mood in the dressing room

Laimer told reporters the mood in the dressing room was rather gloomy after the late equaliser. Sporting director Max Eberl said the club was processing a great deal at the moment and that the squad had to stay resilient.

“We have to be very resilient at the moment, and we have to stay that way for the next few weeks.”

Eberl said the club would not hold back in any competition. Kimmich said the team was going through difficult weeks, pointing to the situation with the coach, the injuries and his own position. He said the team still wanted to keep delivering results and win games again.

Kovac's gesture and the Champions League

BVB coach Niko Kovac had sent Kimmich a WhatsApp message of condolence after his father's death, and Kimmich replied. Kimmich later went over to Kovac and thanked him, and the two embraced. Kovac said they had worked together for about a year and a half and described the gesture as human.

“So the gesture we both showed was human.”

Dortmund players, including Nico Schlotterbeck, also embraced Kimmich after the final whistle. Bayern's next match is at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, 3 November, with a 21:00 kick-off broadcast on Prime Video.