Kimmich: “We’ve played some great games at the Bernabéu and left empty-handed”

“At the Bernabéu we’ve played great games and left empty-handed; different rules apply here,” Joshua Kimmich admits, acknowledging the mystique of a stadium set to host a red-hot clash tomorrow. “Real Madrid and Bayern are the biggest clubs in the world,” he says. He also praises Harry Kane, who remains a game-time decision: “He’s a leader, a team player; someone who looks for collective success, not just to rack up goals.”

And on Vinicius Jr., with whom he had a past flashpoint, he downplays it: “Unfinished business? This isn’t one-on-one, it’s a team against a team.”

Kimmich ahead of Real Madrid clash

How do you prepare for a game like this?

Any game for us is one where we have to show our identity. Our football. Real Madrid have a special way of playing because they can hurt you in many different ways. You can’t approach them like just any opponent, you have to adapt. But without forgetting your own strengths. What you want to do.

How important are history and memories heading into tomorrow?

We could have achieved more in the first leg of the last semifinal, more than a 2-2. In the return leg, we came out better in the second half, but I had the feeling they were far from goal and then they arrived twice and that was it. We went home frustrated. But this is a different situation. Often we were missing key players, but this time we’re all available. And about that incident, sometimes it gets exaggerated. Real Madrid know how to manage situations and at that moment it favored them. Nothing more.

What do you make of the idea that this stadium defies logic?

The crowd here is special, it’s an incredible stadium. We’ve played great games here and come away empty-handed. But this time we’ll play the second leg at home and that changes things a bit. This isn’t the decisive game yet, so we’ll see how it goes.

How is Kane?

This season he’s scored 40 or 50 goals, so we’re talking about someone very important. Very. But he gives us so much beyond goals because he isn’t selfish. He’s not just looking to pile up numbers. He’s a leader, a team player who prioritizes collective success. That’s crucial for a forward.

Did you watch the tie against City?

Yes, I saw the highlights. In one way it was surprising, but also not, because it’s Real Madrid. And as I said, at the Bernabéu different rules seem to apply. Everyone expected City to control the game, but the final result was striking. There have been tight ties, but this one was very clear. We didn’t expect it, but we know what Real Madrid are capable of.

Is tactics or mentality more important tomorrow?

Both. You have to be excellent in both to beat Real Madrid. We’re all in great shape and eager to play because as a footballer, this is as big as it gets.

Do your past results here weigh on you?

It’s special to play against Real Madrid. For me, they and we are the biggest clubs in the world. But I have to be honest, our recent games haven’t gone well for us. We’ve been knocked out. But as I said, we had many absences and the return leg was here. Tomorrow is just the first leg, nothing is decided.

What is Kompany telling you? What is he asking for?

He doesn’t treat games very differently in terms of importance. He wants us to have the right mentality, to understand these are Champions League quarterfinals and you don’t get these every day. We’re really looking forward to it. I was here as a kid and already thought, wow, incredible. To be here now, playing years later, is amazing. These are the moments we train for every day and we hope to show it.

What do you make of Bischof’s development?

Tom’s situation reminds me of mine 11 years ago. I also started in the Bundesliga and at Bayern and no one imagined what would come next. He has the right attitude, the right mindset. Some players say, no, I’m a six, I only play there, but he’s willing to play anywhere. Along with Kane, he has the best shot in the squad. He’s full of confidence. It shows that if something isn’t working, we have many alternatives, and that helps a lot.

What do you think about the idea that Real Madrid are more unstable with Mbappé?

Mbappé is a player who can help any team. He has enormous qualities and he’s very important for Real Madrid, especially this season when things didn’t always seem to go well for them. I’ve faced him many times, with PSG and France, and he has so many strengths.

Could the referee be decisive tomorrow?

I haven’t thought much about that.

Do you have unfinished business with Vinicius?

We’re not going to play one-on-one, it’s a team against a team. That’s the beauty of a collective sport. Regardless of Mbappé or Vinicius, Real Madrid have excellent players and we have to be a team. Act as a group. We respect Real Madrid a lot, but we have great confidence in our own game.

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