Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) continues to battle through injuries, while coach Vincent Kompany (39) has fallen into deep contemplation. As Bayern's defense suffers from consecutive departures, the burden on Kim Min-jae continues to grow.
The German media outlet 'TZ' reported on March 31 (Korean time) that "Kompany is currently facing the 'Kim Min-jae dilemma.'" It pointed out that in the midst of the defensive collapse due to injuries, Kim Min-jae has to continue to play despite not being fully recovered.
Kim Min-jae has been suffering from Achilles tendonitis since October last year, and recently faces poor condition with symptoms of a cold, cough, and even back pain. Nevertheless, he demonstrated a dedicated performance by playing the full match in a recent game against St. Pauli. In that match, Hiroki Ito suffered another metatarsal injury and has been ruled out for the season.
In addition to Ito, Bayern has already lost Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies. Davies is expected to miss at least 7 months due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during the March international match, and Upamecano also requires at least 3 months to recover from a foreign body in his knee joint. Depending on his condition after surgery, this period may extend further.
As a result, Bayern's defensive strength has significantly collapsed. Kim Min-jae has played full-time without a break throughout the season, recording the second-highest playing time in the team after Joshua Kimmich.
TZ explained, "Currently, Kim Min-jae is the only center-back in the team who possesses both speed and build-up ability," emphasizing that he is an indispensable figure in Kompany's defensive tactics. At the same time, it warned that "if he continues to play excessively, Kim Min-jae also runs the risk of a long-term absence."
Bayern is set to face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on April 9 and 17, with the ultimate season goal being to reach the final 'Finale da Home' to be held in Munich on May 31. If Kim Min-jae were to fall out as well, it would inevitably be a significant blow to their strength.
The media noted that Bayern could face world-class forwards such as Lautaro Martínez from Inter Milan, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha from Barcelona, as well as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid. It stated that "In front of these opponents, Kompany finds it difficult to manage the game without Kim Min-jae."
In response, coach Kompany is exploring alternatives. Rather than the relatively slower combination of Eric Dier and Josip Stanišić, he is considering utilizing defensive midfielder João Palhinha in a lower position for more defensive stability.
According to reports, Palhinha stated, "Our team is preparing for the match against Inter Milan," but he added, "We are still focusing on the league match against Augsburg first."
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