VIDEO: Guardiola berates Kimmich after final whistle vs. Dortmund
For most managers, when a central defender helps his side keep a clean sheet - particularly against a club like Borussia Dortmund, which has notched 59 league goals in 25 matches - that should be reason for praise.
Especially when said defender is Joshua Kimmich, a 21-year-old midfielder who's only being utilized in the backline out of necessity due to a host of injuries ravaging the squad.
Pep Guardiola, of course, is not most managers.
The Spanish tactician, immediately after the final whistle in Bayern Munich's goalless draw against Dortmund on Saturday, raced onto the pitch and didn't hesitate to berate the youngster - who was one of the better players over an exciting 90 minutes.
Guardiola, a perfectionist who has never been shy about sharing his feelings with his players in public settings, discussed the encounter with Kimmich afterward, noting that he only means to help him improve.
"When I speak with Joshua Kimmich, I only say good things. I don't want people to say he can't play in defence," said Guardiola, referring to recent criticism of the versatile German's performances at centre-back.
"I love this kid. He has absolutely everything. He wants to learn, has passion. He can do whatever he wants."
"He's played versus big strikers in the Champions League and versus Aubameyang today. Please don't tell me he isn't a centre-back," Guardiola added.
HEADLINES
- Permutations in Europe: What's still at stake in final week of season?
- Reus buys farewell beers for 25,000 Dortmund fans
- Union Berlin avoid relegation with last-minute win, Koln go down
- By the numbers: 14 stats that define Leverkusen's historic season
- Leverkusen the 1st Bundesliga team to go season unbeaten