Luxury problems at FC Bayern: Minjae Kim becomes the first Kompany victim | OneFootball

The personnel situation at FC Bayern is currently leading to unusual decisions. Despite a clear distribution of roles and decent performances, well-known names are suddenly being left out. Minjae Kim in particular is coming more into focus.

The South Korean centre-back did not make Munich’s matchday squad for the 5-1 win over TSG Hoffenheim, a sporting decision that had less to do with his form than with the current personnel situation. Sporting director Max Eberl explained after the game that the coach was forced to take this step primarily because of the full fitness of the squad.

„It won’t be a decision for the next few games per se,“ said Eberl with regard to Kim after the game, adding: „There will be a bit of a rotation if everyone stays healthy. But for now, it shows that we have everyone healthy and are at a stage where established players might not be involved.“

According to Eberl, it was no coincidence that it was the 29-year-old of all players: „It’s always the squad composition,“ explained the sporting director. „What do you have in mind for the game? What do you want? What do you perhaps need on the pitch?“ With only 20 players allowed in the Bundesliga squad, Vincent Kompany had to make a decision.

Against Hoffenheim, the Belgian deliberately opted not to play an additional trained central defender. Instead, Hiroki Ito sat on the bench as the only specialist for the center of defence. „Today we sacrificed a defender, so to speak, because we still had one in Konny and Hiroki can also play central defender, which he did,“ explained Eberl.

Kompany on Kim’s absence: „It’s a good situation“

photo: Getty Images

The decision was also closely followed externally, with DAZN expert Michael Ballack pointing out the wide range of options: „If you go through the bench – he has incredibly good alternatives, of course.“ Ito’s versatility in particular gives the coach additional flexibility.

Kompany himself gave a clear assessment of Kim after the game and took the pressure off the situation. „The first thing I said to the team in January was that we have seven games in 20 days, so everyone will play and feel part of it,“ explained the Bayern coach. Looking ahead to the current month of February, he added: „Now this month is about being professional and winning our games. Next month, everyone will feel involved again.“

According to Kompany, the fact that a player is currently sidelined has no deeper significance. „Leaving someone out means nothing, it’s just a decision you have to make – there will be another one and then another one.“ For the coach, the situation is even a positive signal: „It’s a good situation because everyone is fit. Last year against Inter, we had nine players injured. I’ll take this situation any day of the week.“