Director General of Bayern Munich made a strange statement regarding Kim Min-jae's injury. It was said that Bayern Munich managed him well, but he nevertheless sustained an injury.

Max Eberl, Director General of Bayern Munich, explained in an interview published on the 16th (Korea time) in Kicker, "Kim Min-jae has been struggling with an Achilles tendon issue. Although it has been a long-standing injury, the expression 'he played through the injury' raised by some has an exaggeration aspect. We have been thorough in managing his injury."

In the early part of the season, Kim Min-jae received good reviews leading the central defense of Bayern Munich reliably alongside Dayot Upamecano. However, since the Achilles tendon pain that started last October, he struggled to maintain his condition and was excluded from the national team gatherings, attempting to recover but ultimately had to participate in matches while still injured due to injuries within the team's defense.

As the season progressed, Kim Min-jae's performance showed fluctuations. Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga, but he became a target of criticism for being involved in conceding goals in key matches against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.

In particular, local German media focused on the mistakes, increasing the pressure on him.

Kim Min-jae's overuse also affected the South Korea national football team led by coach Hong Myung-bo. Due to his injury, Kim Min-jae was excluded from both the March and June A-match schedules. At a time aiming for qualification for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, the absence of a key defender from the national team is regrettable.

Coach Hong Myung-bo criticized Bayern Munich for Kim Min-jae's absence. Ahead of the schedule against Oman on March 17, he said during the first training camp, "Kim Min-jae is an important player for both Bayern Munich and Korea. One thing that was regrettable was that Bayern Munich did not protect him for preventive reasons. As a result, we have to face important matches without key players. The risk signals for Kim Min-jae's injury have been ongoing since last year. We were fully aware of it."

Coach Hong Myung-bo's remarks also gained attention in local German media. At that time, Bavarian Football Works stated, "Coach Hong Myung-bo's sharp criticism is valid. Coach Kompany had many opportunities to give Kim Min-jae rest but continued to induce fatigue. If a more careful approach had been taken, injuries could have been avoided."

Kim Min-jae could not join up until the June A-match due to injury. This was also concerning as the team was gearing up for World Cup qualification. Coach Hong Myung-bo explained at the press conference announcing the squad list, "I have been consistently monitoring Kim Min-jae's injury. Overall, I thought it would be difficult for him to participate in matches. So I did not include him. Kim Min-jae is a player with a great sense of responsibility and mission to the national team. If he gets enough rest, he will have the opportunity to come back."

However, according to Eberl's comments, Bayern Munich managed him well. Nevertheless, as a result, Kim Min-jae has not been able to show his normal performance due to overuse.

Eberl explained the current competition situation within the defense. He stated, "There are currently five central defensive resources including Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Jonathon Tah, Stanisic, and Hiroki Ito. Our defensive lineup is very rich," and emphasized, "Kim Min-jae will also have to secure his starting position again in this fierce competition. The full-scale competition is about to begin."

According to Kicker, the earliest expected return for Kim Min-jae is in July. Bayern Munich is participating in the FIFA Club World Cup. Kim Min-jae is in a situation where he cannot participate. Nevertheless, Eberl mentioned, "Kim Min-jae is aiming for a full recovery. He is expected to return to training and join team practice in a few days," revealing a cautious return schedule.

Long-term injuries and heated internal competition within the defense are becoming a crucial crossroads that will determine Kim Min-jae's future position. Attention is focused on what role Kim Min-jae will play in Bayern Munich's plans for the new season.

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