Is it confidence or arrogance? Joshua Kimmich (30, Bayern Munich) delivered unexpected news.
German 'TZ' reported on the 4th (Korean time) that "Bayern Munich has not yet officially secured the championship. However, Joshua Kimmich already considers himself a champion and expressed that he hopes Bayer 04 Leverkusen wins against SC Freiburg away."
Bayern drew 3-3 against RB Leipzig on the 3rd, failing to secure an early title for the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season. With this, they recorded 76 points, extending the gap to 9 points with second-place Leverkusen (67 points). If Bayern draws just one of the remaining two matches, they can claim the title on their own. They are already ahead by more than 30 goals on goal difference, making it essentially equivalent to being crowned champions.
If Leverkusen loses or draws in the 33rd round, Bayern mathematically secures the title. Conversely, if Leverkusen wins, Bayern will face Borussia Mönchengladbach at home in the 33rd round on the 11th for another "match point."
In this regard, Kimmich noted, "I hope Leverkusen wins on the 5th." Ironically, his reason for wanting the rival team to win is to avoid a 'couch championship.'
According to reports, he emphasized, "If we had made it 3-3 and not conceded, we would have been celebrating the championship by now. Even in this state, we are virtually champions."
Kimmich continued, "To be honest, unless Leverkusen wins all three remaining matches 7-0 and we lose two matches in a row 0-5, there is no possibility of a comeback," firmly asserting that the championship race is over.
He added, "Of course, even if the points are the same, unless we face point deductions due to disciplinary actions, this is practically our moment of victory."
Despite this atmosphere, he is focused on the remaining schedule. Bayern will host Mönchengladbach in the 33rd round on the 11th. If they add just 1 point in this match, the championship will be automatically confirmed. Leverkusen will face Borussia Dortmund on the same day. Therefore, Bayern is demonstrating their intention to secure an 'official' title on their own that day.
The championship is already within reach. However, Kimmich chose to do it rather than wait.
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