Joshua Kimmich would like to play Manuel Neuer at tennis more often. The Bayern Munich teammates have only met once on the court, with the club captain prevailing, much to Kimmich's chagrin.
"Manu seems to serve from a different floor of a building," Kimmich told Bild, referencing the Bayern goalkeeper's height. "The ball comes down so quickly, that sometimes I could barely see it. During our only game – when we were on international duty with Germany – he just kept playing backhands and then attacking the net. He's so big it's really tough to get the ball past him."
Jokes about Neuer getting unusually close to the net aside, it is little wonder that Kimmich remembers the details of the loss so vividly. A Bayern and Germany cornerstone already, the 22-year-old is not accustomed to tasting defeat – and when he does, he takes it as badly as he always has done.
Watch: check out all of Kimmich's goals and assists in Bayern colours!
"I just can't take losing," Kimmich said. "Once, when my dad was coach of our team in a youth tournament, he gave everyone in the team the same amount of playing time. I went mad because I always wanted to play. When we lost, I just ran off crying."
It did not take Kimmich too long to forgive his father, Berthold, the man he admits has played an influential role in his rise to a player now at the top of the world game with club and country.
"We work off the same page really," said Kimmich, already a two-time Bundesliga winner. "I've got a ridiculous amount to thank him for. If he says nothing after a game, then I know I haven't played well. Even today, if I don't make the most of a good chance, he'll tell me that I used to be more clinical in front of goal, and that I'd score with my left and right foot."
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