Flick confirms Süle start, hints at Kimmich at right-back

Ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Japan, Germany coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that Niklas Süle will start. He also discussed the possibility of Joshua Kimmich starting at right-back.

After being recalled to the Germany squad for the first time since the World Cup, Niklas Süle will start at centre-back ahead of Malick Thiaw against Japan on Saturday.

“We are all happy with the development of Malik [Thiaw], he has settled in very well with us. Tomorrow, however, Niklas Süle will play,” Flick confirmed at the pre-match press conference.

Earlier in the week, Flick tested a four-man back line, with Süle and Antonio Rüdiger in the middle and Nico Schlotterbeck and Joshua Kimmich as the two full-backs.

With that in mind, it seems likely that Kimmich will move from central midfield to the right side of defense against Japan tomorrow. Flick certainly didn’t rule out the possibility during his press conference.

“Jo has enormous qualities that he can use in different positions. He is an absolute professional, an absolute team player. He puts himself at the service of the team. He can make us better in different positions. Our job as coaches is to play him where he can give us the most at the moment. But that could change again in October (against the United States and Mexico),” Flick said.

“It’s important for the team to settle in. At the end of the day it’s important where he can play the most important role, it depends on the schedule and that’s why I’m keeping it open. We want to be flexible.”

More about the match

More about the teams

More about Niklas Süle