Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 7y

Bayern's 'Joshua Kimmich can become the new Philipp Lahm' - Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti says Joshua Kimmich can become "the new Philipp Lahm" when Bayern Munich's captain retires at the end of the season.

Bayern boss Ancelotti said he had no doubts that Kimmich, 22, has the necessary qualities to follow in the footsteps of Lahm.

"Kimmich can become the new Lahm," Ancelotti said at his prematch news conference ahead of the trip to play Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

"He has enough quality to play in many different positions, not just in midfield. He also has a strong personality and a strong character. I love players with such great professionalism, like he has."

Ancelotti's side travel to the German capital seven points clear at the top of the table, and still basking in the glow of Wednesday's 5-1 win over Arsenal in the Champions League.

"The game against Arsenal will give us even more self-confidence," he added, but warned his side against any complacency against sixth-placed Hertha.

"We don't have much time to rest so we have to be very focused tomorrow," he said.

"Perhaps there will be a few changes. I'll see what sort of condition the players are in after today's training and decide the lineup then."

Thiago scored twice from midfield against Arsenal, while Thomas Muller spent 86 minutes on the bench, before scoring a goal within moments of his introduction.

Discussing his potential to rotate, Ancelotti said: "Thiago isn't an alternative to Thomas Muller.

"He's a completely different player to Thomas. It's not about one or the other -- perhaps they'll both play together tomorrow.

"Thomas is an important player, even when he doesn't score.

"Everyone at Bayern was pleased for him after his goal on Wednesday. His personality and character are important for the team.

"I can only choose 11 players and sometimes a player has to sit on the bench. But all the players handle this very professionally."

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