Joshua Kimmich warns Bayern Munich must improve after German Super Cup victory

Joshua Kimmich has criticised Bayern Munich’s performance despite their 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.

The Bayern captain said his side were pleased to secure the trophy but remained a long way from the level they wanted to reach, particularly after allowing Borussia Dortmund too many opportunities.

“Honestly, I didn’t think the first half was that good,” Kimmich told reporters after the match. “Of course, we were 2-0 up. We are happy that we won. But in terms of the way we played, we are still a long way away and have a lot, a lot of work ahead of us.”

Bayern established a two-goal lead before half-time, with Nathaniel Brown opening the scoring in the 28th minute and Michael Olise adding a second in first-half stoppage time.

However, Dortmund responded after the interval and Fabio Silva reduced the deficit in the 75th minute. Kimmich felt Bayern had not done enough either in possession or defensively, particularly when dealing with deliveries into the penalty area.

“We were not active enough with the ball and we were not always able to help each other sufficiently,” he said. “We also allowed too many chances, especially from crosses. We need to improve significantly in that area.”

The Germany international also admitted Bayern had struggled to control the contest in the second half and failed to take the pace out of the game when required.

“We also failed to control and calm the match in the second half,” Kimmich added. “We are satisfied with the result, but not necessarily with the way we played.”

The victory gave Bayern the German Super Cup, but Kimmich’s assessment underlined the standards expected at the club as they begin the campaign with silverware. His comments focused on performance rather than the outcome, with the captain making clear that the team still has substantial work to do despite beating their domestic rivals.

Kimmich was also asked whether the trophy should be regarded as belonging to Jamal Musiala, who was absent because of health problems.

“Yes, definitely,” he said. “We hope Jamal returns soon because he is a very important player for us, for the team and for Germany as a whole. We all know what he is capable of and we hope he comes back soon. We are all supporting him 100% in the team.”

Bayern’s win came in front of the Dortmund home crowd at Signal Iduna Park, with Silva’s late goal ensuring the closing stages remained competitive. The result nevertheless secured the trophy for the Bavarian club, even as Kimmich called for a marked improvement in their approach in the matches ahead.