The contributions of Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), who showed dedication through injuries all season, were overlooked.
Bayern Munich dominated the Bundesliga with a record of 25 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses in the 2024-25 season. Despite a problematic Achilles tendon, Kim Min-jae demonstrated his fighting spirit for over 7 months. Kim played as a starter in all 27 matches he participated in.
There was a conflict between Munich and national team coach Hong Myung-bo regarding Kim Min-jae's injury management. Coach Hong criticized, saying, "Munich should have managed the injury better." Director General Max Eberl of Munich rebutted Coach Hong's remarks, stating, "Munich is the best club in the world, and our injury management is top-notch. The club is also the one paying Kim Min-jae's salary."
As Bayern Munich won the championship, Kim Min-jae's contributions are being forgotten. Munich is attempting to replace Kim Min-jae by acquiring Jonathan Tah during the offseason.
The German "Abendzeitung" published an interview with Director General Eberl on the 13th, stating that they managed Kim Min-jae well and that Munich holds no responsibility.
Eberl claimed, "Kim Min-jae suffered from Achilles tendon issues for a long time. However, the club managed Kim Min-jae's situation well. We were just in a bad situation at that time."
While it is true that Kim Min-jae was injured, it has been acknowledged that with continuous injuries to players like Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano, Kim was unable to rest. Nonetheless, it is asserted that Munich did well in managing the situation, and thus they bear no responsibility for Kim Min-jae's injury.
This is something Kim Min-jae would find disappointing. The media noted, "Kim Min-jae will have to compete fiercely with Jonathan Tah. There have been love calls for Kim Min-jae from Saudi Arabia," indicating a possibility of transfer.
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