Fierce Competition: Minjae Kim Hopes to Stay with FC Bayern | OneFootball

There is fierce competition for spots in FC Bayern’s central defense ahead of the new season. With Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, and Minjae Kim, several top players are vying for starting spots. While Kim expressly welcomes the competition, coach Vincent Kompany made it clear just how highly he rates the South Korean’s performance.

Ahead of the friendly against Jeju SK, Kim spoke at the press conference about the situation at center back. The 29-year-old sees the competition as an opportunity to continue developing.

“I’m very happy to be able to compete with Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano,” the center back explained.

For Kim, this competition is part of everyday life at the German record champions. “Every season at Bayern, we have fierce competition for spots, but we also have a good rapport. And we talk a lot about the situations, so I’m very satisfied—I’m able to learn a lot. I’m very happy to be at Bayern, and very satisfied. I’ve played in a few games and always given my best, leaving everything on the field. I hope the coach gives me plenty of playing time this season and that I can stay.”

With the signing of national team player Jonathan Tah, competition in the defense has intensified even further. Alongside Upamecano and Kim, the new signing is also among the candidates for Vincent Kompany’s starting lineup.

Kompany heaps praise on Kim

Photo: IMAGO

The Bayern coach made it clear, however, that performance on the field alone will determine playing time.

“We’re talking about competition—I like that, and that’s what I’ve experienced personally,” Kompany explained, referring to his own career as a center back at Manchester City.

The Belgian then offered special praise to Kim: “I have to compliment Minjae: the way he carries himself, what he does on the field—and the fact that he doesn’t talk. He’s there with the right response in every situation: His performances have always been top-notch for us.”

For Kompany, it’s precisely this attitude that’s crucial. “For me, it’s important to see that he delivers on what he does. And the others have to step up accordingly, too. I want that in every position, not just in central defense.”

With his comments, the Bayern coach made it clear that the competition for playing time is by no means a negative for Kim. Rather, Kompany continues to view the South Korean as an integral part of a high-caliber defensive unit in which every player must earn his minutes through consistent performances.