FC Bayern – Rummenigge on Kimmich: “I am convinced that he may get vaccinated soon”
The long-time Bayern boss does not approve of Kimmich’s refusal to vaccinate, but still takes the midfield star under protection.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge joined on Sunday morning BildTV on the case of Joshua Kimmich. The former Bayern boss was surprised from Kimmich’s refusal to be vaccinated – but also broke a lance for the Bayern star.
“Basically, I would like to say to Kimmich first: He is perhaps the Bundesliga player who has a role model function in many things. I know him as a great person, and his ‘We kick Corona’ initiative shows that,” said Rummenigge on the show . “Of course it came as a surprise that he wasn’t vaccinated. That has now led to a discussion.”
The criticism of KimmichRummenigge did not want to leave that he was acting irresponsibly. “What Joshua does is very responsible. First of all, he would like to wait for things like the long-term effects and he is tested every other day,” said Rummenigge, who nevertheless stated: “As a role model, it would still be better if he were vaccinated.”
Rummenigge assumes that Kimmich will soon change his mind. “I am convinced that he may get vaccinated soon. He is a totally responsible person and player. We can be very happy that he is part of these two teams in our country.”
Rummenigge on Kimmich: “It’s no use if players have concerns”
In the spring of the vaccination debate, the former Bayern CEO himself caused a sensation with the demand that football professionals in the Bundesliga be vaccinated earlier. “I suggested in February of this year that it would be wise to vaccinate footballers early – as a role model for everyone else. I have received terrible criticism. Now things have changed a bit.”
Rummenigge does not consider FC Bayern to have an obligation to enforce a nationwide vaccination quota for its employees. “I basically believe that FC Bayern has drawn attention to it. But it is of no use if players have concerns. We are going in circles.” Rummenigge himself had himself twice vaccinated, “because I also want to go to the restaurant or the stadium without being tested.”
Rummenigge: Compulsory vaccinations would be a matter of politics
Rummenigge would not introduce a general vaccination requirement for all professionals through football as such. That is clearly a matter of politics.
“The compulsory vaccination does not lie with football, but with politics. Due to the fact that one or the other is not vaccinated at Bayern, we now have a discussion. But that should not be introduced through football,” said Rummenigge.