The root cause of UCL semifinal failure? In the first place, Kim Min-jae can only run for 65 minutes

Apr 17, 2025

The root cause of UCL semifinal failure? In the first place, Kim Min-jae can only run for 65 minutes



The root cause of UCL semifinal failure? In the first place, Kim Min-jae can only run for 65 minutes
He literally struggled. But it wasn't enough.

Bayern Munich drew 2-2 against Inter Milan in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024-2025 European Champions League at San Siro in Milan, Italy on the 17th (Korea time). Bayern took the lead with Harry Kane's first goal in the eighth minute of the second half, but they conceded consecutive goals to Lautaro Martinez in the 14th minute of the second half and Benjamin Pavard in the 17th minute. In the 32nd minute, Eric Dier equalized and saved hope, but no additional goal was scored.

Bayern, which lost 1-2 in the first leg, failed to advance to the semifinals with a combined score of 3-4, ending its European top challenge.




Kim Min-jae, who is in poor physical condition, was also listed in the starting lineup on the same day. Four back with Josip Stanisic, Eric Dier and Konrat Reimer. Kim Min-jae faced Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thurang, two of Europe's best two-top players, but bowed his head with a play that served as an excuse for a loss.

In fact, it wasn't just Kim Min-jae's fault. It was in the 17th minute of the second half when Inter Milan took a 2-1 lead. Pavard finished the kick of Inter Milan Hakan Chalhanoglu with a header. Kim Min-jae competed, but he couldn't stop it. It is the first fault that no one stopped Pavard from moving freely at the gate, but all responsibilities are pouring into Kim Min-jae, who competed directly with Pavard. Kim Min-jae has played well before, but this goal is again the main cause of defeat.

The root cause of UCL semifinal failure? In the first place, Kim Min-jae can only run for 65 minutes
Kim Min-jae left the stadium after just 65 minutes. As is known, Kim Min-jae has been suffering from pain in his Achilles tendon since last year, and recently came to back pain due to bronchitis. In the last match against Dortmund, he reportedly felt dizzy. Kim Min-jae was recently cited by the FIFPro as a representative example of injuries caused by overwork, along with an article titled 「Kim Min-jae」.




Nevertheless, Bangsang Kompany, who needed Kim Min-jae to realize his soccer, put Kim Min-jae in the game. Kim Min-jae, who played 75 minutes, 54 minutes and 65 minutes, respectively, in the last three games, did not play full time again on the day. It wasn't a reprimand out, it wasn't in a physical condition that could do 100% in the first place.

Nevertheless, the German media is biting Kim Min-jae. Even before the game, Kim Min-jae could be released this summerIncluding rumors that ' should be removed from the starting list for the match against Inter MilanThere was an outpouring of stories about '. Rotar Matheus 'Legend' who is famous for 'Kim Min-jae Anti' even said 'It's ridiculous to exclude Kim Min-jae now'

Even though he knew he was not in normal condition, the arrow again turned to Kim Min-jae. All the media gave the lowest rating. Lan said 'Kim Min-jae hasn't been at his best, as he has been for the past few weeks and months' and Spox said 'You shouldn't make a mistake of missing Pavard'. FCB Inside also said 'It was a bad performance overall'




The root cause of UCL semifinal failure? In the first place, Kim Min-jae can only run for 65 minutes
The root cause of UCL semifinal failure? In the first place, Kim Min-jae can only run for 65 minutes
Director Bang Sang Kompany covered Kim Min-jae. Asked by an Italian journalist about Kim Min-jae's sluggishness, he said, `Everyone has their own opinions, but I disagree. Kim Min-jae should and will contribute to our team's victory this season. That's all the goal now. Since we reached the top in Italy, we have to reach the top in Germany." Then "Our team is showing real solidarity and this will continue until the end of the season. Don't think I'm going to turn my back on someone or jump into this argument. It can't be. But within our team, within our family, anything goes back and forth. That's how we can develop."

Bayern have lost the European Champions League, but are going all out to win the league. Kim Min-jae is still needed. In other words, it is difficult to take a full rest and have time to recover from the injury. This vicious circle can also be poisonous to Kim Min-jae's life. This is why Kim Min-jae's recent move is worrisome.

Reporter Park Chan-joon vanbasten@sportschosun.com



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.