Due to Kim Min-jae's unavailability caused by Achilles tendinopathy, Eric Dier (currently Bayern Munich) is expected to renew his contract.

Kicker reported on the 14th (Korean time) that "Eric Dier has increased his chances of renewing his contract with Bayern Munich thanks to his good form in recent games. He is regarded as a model professional player in the team."

It further explained, "Manager Vincent Kompany has confidence in Dier. Although he has not been able to establish himself as a starter since transferring from Tottenham Hotspur, he is solidifying his position within the team. Kompany recently listed Dier's strengths in an interview."

It's a surprising report. Kompany seems to have a different opinion regarding Dier, who had been struggling to secure a position due to competition within Bayern Munich's defense.

Dier, who joined Bayern Munich last season, found a starting position as Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano struggled.

Manager Thomas Tuchel did not employ tactics that positioned the defensive line high and sought stable defensive performance. This was a perfect fit for Dier. He played as a 'fixed starter' until the end of the season and was recognized for his performance, leading to a permanent transfer to Bayern Munich.

However, Dier's nightmare began after Kompany's appointment. Kompany introduced a powerful attacking football style to Bayern Munich. He utilized tactics that positioned the defensive line high and focused on attack.

Consequently, Dier, whose agility is slow and unable to cover the space behind, was inevitably neglected. Kompany has relied heavily on Kim Min-jae and Upamecano since the season began, giving Dier little opportunity.

However, as the second half of the season approached, he found a turning point. Due to injuries to Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, Dier began to occasionally seize starting opportunities.

Contrary to concerns that he might not fit Kompany's tactics, he became established as a candidate player, alternating between starting and coming off the bench.

Dier's contract is set to expire at the end of this season. While he has publicly expressed a desire to stay, local German media have continued to predict his release.

Fcb Insider claimed that "Bayern Munich is not significantly interested in extending Dier's contract. This is evidenced by Bayern Munich's interest in Bournemouth's Dean Huyse."

Even Director General Max Eberl officially stated regarding Dier's situation that "there have been no discussions at this time."

However, the situation has changed. With Kim Min-jae injured, Bayern Munich is experiencing difficulties in defensive composition. Although Kim Min-jae's story was not mentioned in the reports, it can be concluded that the news regarding Dier's contract renewal was influenced by Kim Min-jae's injury.

The Korea Football Association announced on the 15th that "it has been determined that Kim Min-jae needs treatment and recovery due to left Achilles tendinopathy during the A-match period, so the final decision was made to release him from the national team call-up," adding that "the decision on any replacement will be announced later."

Kim Min-jae's injury was already anticipated. The difficulties Kim Min-jae faced ultimately worsened due to the injury.

Vincent Kompany, the manager of Bayern Munich, which Kim Min-jae belongs to, revealed at a press conference with local media on the 14th (Korean time) that Kim Min-jae is in urgent need of rest. Kompany stated, "Kim Min-jae is currently dealing with an injury," adding that "(Kim Min-jae's injury) does not seem too severe, but he is expected to miss several weeks." He also stated, "It is already known that there are issues with (Kim Min-jae's) Achilles tendon," and emphasized, "We need to manage him so that the burden does not become excessive."

[OSEN = Woo Chung-won, Reporter]