Joshua Kimmich's journey with the German national team highlights both successes and struggles since 2014. After initial achievements, including EURO 2016 and the Confederations Cup victory, the team faced a decline post-2018, characterized by missed semifinals. Kimmich acknowledges the mediocrity of recent years compared to earlier consistent semifinal appearances. While he notes the importance of preparation for tournaments, he remains cautiously optimistic, recognizing that factors beyond their control will influence future outcomes, but believes the team's trajectory is improving.
"There were many, especially in the early stages. We were very successful back then, at EURO 2016 and then winning the Confederations Cup the following year. The period after that was...actually worse than mediocre."
"If you haven't reached the semifinals since 2018, you can certainly appreciate that things are now heading in the right direction. But that's no guarantee that we'll reach the semifinals at the World Cup."
"Hope might be the wrong word, but it does give you renewed confidence in your own strength. Tournament preparation doesn't begin two weeks before the start in some base camps..."
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