The Germany captain has faced scrutiny during the international break, with debate surrounding his position in the national team after strong performances from midfield rivals Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof.
Kimmich said he had not actively followed the discussion but was aware of the attention it had attracted. The 31-year-old made clear that his priority remained delivering performances on the pitch rather than becoming distracted by outside opinion.
“Honestly, I didn't follow it, but you still get to hear that there has been a bit going on. I've been involved for 11 years now. I know how the business works. The only thing I can and must concentrate on is my performance,” he said.
The debate intensified after Germany coach Jürgen Klopp left Kimmich out of his second squad during the recent international window as part of a wider reshuffle. Pavlovic and Bischof impressed in midfield during Kimmich's absence, prompting questions about the captain's place in the team.
However, Kimmich rejected the suggestion that the competition for places should concern him. Instead, he pointed to his record over the past decade and challenged himself to maintain the standards that have made him a regular at international level.
“In the end, the best players always play. Over the last ten years, I've managed quite well to be among the best. That is my goal, and I work towards it every day. Then I'll make sure I deliver my performance every three days,” he said.
His comments came after Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw by Augsburg in the Bundesliga. The result prevented the Munich club from moving above Borussia Dortmund, while also providing the backdrop for further questions about the team's international players following the extended break.
Kimmich has been a central figure for Germany for years, but the emergence of younger midfield options has increased competition for places. Klopp's decision to experiment with his squad has brought the issue into sharper focus, even as the coach has explained the reasoning behind his selections.
At club level, Kimmich continues to enjoy strong backing. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has dismissed the criticism as excessive and described the midfielder as a leader who sets the standard for his teammates.
For Kimmich, the response is clear: he intends to concentrate on his football and let his performances determine his standing. With Germany continuing to assess its midfield options, the coming fixtures will provide an opportunity for the captain to reinforce his position.