Napoli Fans Bemoan Lack of “Monster Defender” Kim Min-jae
In the 4th round of Serie A 2023-24, Napoli faced Genoa in Italy on the 17th, resulting in a 2-2 draw. With 7 points from 4 games, Napoli currently sits at 5th place in the league standings.
Unfortunately, Napoli’s defense faltered early on, conceding two goals. However, they managed to make a strong comeback with goals from Raspadori and Politano in the second half, equalizing the score at 2-2.
This is not the first time Napoli has struggled defensively, as they suffered a 1-2 loss to Lazio in the third round. As a result, their chances of contending for the championship seem to be fading. Inter Milan, with 4 consecutive wins, currently hold the top spot, followed by Juventus and AC Milan.
Napoli’s top scorer Victor Osimhen and winger Hvicha Kvarachelia, who played crucial roles in last season’s championship, have remained with the team amidst numerous transfer rumors. However, their absence cannot fill the void left by Kim Min-jae, the key player in Napoli’s defense who recently departed for Munich.
Napoli fans are expressing their concerns, stating that Kim was instrumental in their title win and that Napoli cannot defend the Serie A title without him. They point out the team’s struggling defense and emphasize the need for a replacement for Kim Min-jae. The fans believe that if a suitable defender is not brought in, Napoli’s chances of challenging for the Serie A title will be over before they even begin.
Napoli currently relies on Brazilian defender Juan and Norwegian defender Leo Ostigor to fill the void left by Kim Min-jae. However, neither player has been able to meet the team’s expectations.
It remains to be seen how Napoli will address their defensive issues and whether they can overcome the absence of their “monster defender.”
[사진] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[사진] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[사진] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[OSEN=서정환 기자] Napoli fans are lamenting the huge vacancy of ‘monster defender’ Kim Min-jae (27, Munich).
Napoli drew 2-2 with home team Genoa in the 4th round Serie A 2023-24 held in Genoa, Italy on the 17th. Napoli (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), with 7 points from 4 games, is 5th in the league.
Napoli’s defense collapsed first, conceding two goals. Napoli, with consecutive goals from Raspadori on 31 minutes of the second half and Politano on 39 minutes of the second half, took a dramatic 2-2.
Napoli continue to have defensive problems, including a 1-2 loss to Lazio in the third round, and are moving away from being a contender for the championship. Inter Milan, with 4 consecutive wins, are in first place, followed by Juventus (3 wins, 1 draw) and AC Milan (3 wins, 1 loss).
Napoli’s top scorer Victor Osimhen and winger Hvicha Kvarachelia, who played a leading role in the championship last season, remained in Napoli after numerous transfer rumours. However, they cannot fill the void left by Kim Min-jae, the key player in the defense, leaving for Munich.
Napoli fans said, “Now nobody can deny the fact that KIM was the key for Napoli to win the title,” and “Napoli can’t defend the Serie title without KIM. “It hurts, but it’s true” , “Look at Napoli’s pathetic defense right now. Napoli without Kim Min-jae have no choice but to fight”, “Genoa gave away three corners and scored two goals. “If we can’t bring in a defender to replace KIM , the season will be over before we can even challenge for the Serie A title,” he said.
Napoli have Brazilian defender Juan and Norwegian defender Leo Ostigor playing in place of Kim Min-jae, but neither is performing to the team’s satisfaction. / jasonseo34@osen.co.kr
Jeonghwan Seo (jasonseo34@osen.co.kr)
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