 |
| Photo =Björn Munich SNS Capture |
|
 |
| 사진=키커 캡처 |
|
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
Everyone suspected Kim Min-jae, but he came back splendidly.
Germany's kicker announced the best 11 of the week in the fourth round of the Bundesliga on the 22nd (Korea time). Kim Min-jae's name appeared on the list. Kim Min-jae formed the best 11 defense with Niko Elvedi (Mönchengladbach), Julian Lyonson (Dortmund), and Davit Raum (Lewich). Teammate Harry Kane was also selected, and Kane was also listed as a player of the week.
 |
| AFP Yonhap News |
|
It was a natural result. Kim Min-jae started in the fourth round of the Bundesliga against Hoffenheim in the 2025-2026 season at the Free Zero Arena in Jinsheim, Germany on the 21st. Kim Min-jae, who played as a substitute this season after falling behind Jonathan Ta in the league, started with Ta instead of Dayot Upamecano. It could have been a choice considering the aftermath of the European Champions League, but it was also possible that it was the trust of Coach Bang Sang Kompany considering Kim Min-jae's last performance against Chelsea.
Kim Min-jae played as a starter until he was replaced in the 24th minute of the second half. Kim Min-jae checked the opponent's breakthrough and penetration with his fast feet, showed concentration in the box, and blocked threatening passes. He also defended his shots by flying them without sparing himself. The most overwhelming scene was three minutes into the first half's extra time, when Muhammad Damar's volley from the gate was cleared just before it headed into the goal. All of the teammates came up cheering and praising Kim Min-jae's play. Along with his performance, Kim Min-jae was also included in the weekly best 11 and was recognized as his best performance since returning to the league.
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
It's a good start to get rid of last season's disappointment. Kim Min-jae has been raising the possibility of leaving Bayern after the 2024-2025 season. There was also constant news that Bayern was considering Kim Min-jae as a candidate for release. It was also evaluated that poor performance was the problem. Various forced criticisms also bothered Kim Min-jae. Competition for the starting lineup also faltered at the start of this season. Eric Dier was pushed out of the main position by filling the place where he left with Taro, the undefeated winner of Leverkusen.
Nevertheless, Kim Min-jae recovered slowly and sought an opportunity. He continued to play in matches as a substitute, and maintained his condition by steadily playing time in the national team. And he showed good performance since the last Chelsea match, opening the door to the main jump. The German kicker made a great comeback with his performance against Chelsea, showing his ambition. He also evaluated that it is never easy to replace Kim Min-jae. Germany's SPOX is threatening Kim Min-jae's main position after his performance against Hoffenheim. In the long term and in the short term, Kim Min-jae could become important again,' he explained.
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
Meanwhile, despite his strong performance, Kim Min-jae surprised everyone by missing the game due to an injury. In the 24th minute of the second half, he collapsed holding his calf muscle after competing for an aerial ball. As a result of the medical staff's confirmation, it was decided to replace it. Fortunately, there was no major crisis. Philip Kessler, a Bayern reporter with TZ in Germany, said 'Kim Min-jae was confirmed as a calf muscle stress response after a detailed examination. Intensive recovery management will be carried out over the next few days' revealed. Since then, German media have predicted that Kim Min-jae will be able to play in the match against Bremen after recovery.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
