▲ Minjae Kim
Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, who had publicly criticized Kim Min-jae, the core of Korean football’s defense, suddenly changed his attitude 180 degrees and supported him.
According to foreign media, coach Tuchel mentioned Kim Min-jae, who has recently been criticized for making a fatal mistake, in a press conference held before the away match against Stuttgart in the 32nd round of the Bundesliga Football- German Professional Football 2023-2024.
Kim Min-jae made a long-awaited start in the first leg of the 2023-2024 European Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, but made two mistakes, giving Munich an excuse to concede two goals.
Coach Tuchel said, “There are different styles (in football). Minjae Kim is a player who defines himself by defending very aggressively and taking the ball away first.”
“We paid the price twice in a top-level game against Real Madrid, but it’s clear why we did it. These mistakes were made out of a good impulse (to steal the ball). That’s why I noticed lightly in lonely,” he explained.
He added, “Of course, there will be criticism regarding the content of the game, but it’s an easy decision to continue to support it,” and added, “We just need to curb Kim Min-jae a little.”
Coach Tuchel’s attitude is completely different from the press conference against Real Madrid, where he pointed out harshly the mistakes of Kim Min-jae.
At the time, Coach Tuchel said, “Kim Min-jae shouldn’t be so aggressive in defence. If he can win the ball, it’s fine, but if not, he shouldn’t,” adding, “He too greedy. There’s too little pressure on the ball.” “I think that’s why nobody can help him.”
Kim Min-jae, who joined Munich before this season, appeared to have settled into the team in the first half of the season, but was benched in the second half as he lost his starting place to Eric Dye, who transferred from Tottenham.
Due to an injury to another starting midfielder, Matthijs De Ligt, he was given the chance to start again recently, but he showed an uneasy performance in the match against Real Madrid, which attracted the attention of football fans, drawing strong criticism from the local media. .
However, from coach Tuchel’s point of view, Dayot Upamecano is more or less classified as out of power, and De Ligt has also left the team, so he has no choice but to use Kim Min-jae.
Munich, who lost the league title to Leverkusen, aim to finish the season in second place.
Munich has 69 points, five points ahead of third place Stuttgart.
If Munich wins this match, second place will be confirmed.
(Photo = AP, Yonhap News)
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