Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the South Korean national football team, expressed regret over the absence of injured Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) and conveyed dissatisfaction with the player management of his club, Munich. German media have taken notice of this.

The German outlet Kicker reported on the 17th (Korean time) that "the South Korean national football team coach criticized Munich regarding Kim Min-jae's injury issue, pointing out that Munich failed to protect the player. However, Vincent Kompany, the Munich coach, indicated he was already aware that Kim Min-jae had been suffering from an Achilles problem and noted, 'We have to manage the players' workload. We must ensure they do not become overburdened,' expressing a difficult nuance in understanding Hong Myung-bo's concerns about player management at Munich.

On this day, Coach Hong conducted training with players included in the March A-match roster at Goyang Sports Complex. South Korea will face Oman in the 7th match of the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the 20th and face Jordan in the 8th match on the 25th, entering serious preparations.

There were changes to the roster the day before training (16th). Initially selected, Kim Min-jae was released from this call-up due to a left Achilles tendon injury he had been suffering from since last year while playing for Munich. Coach Hong selected Kim Joo-sung (FC Seoul) as a replacement.

Before the training, Coach Hong said in front of reporters, "Kim Min-jae is a very important player for our national team, just as he is for Munich. If there is a downside, it is that Munich did not properly protect the player, and as a result, we have to play without a key player (Kim Min-jae)."

He also added, "Since last year, there have been continuous injury signals regarding Kim Min-jae. Although we are on the verge of important matches, I determined it is not in the dimension of protecting the player to put Kim Min-jae on the field, so in consideration, we decided to give him a bold rest."

Kim Min-jae has been suffering from Achilles pain since October. It was so severe that he even directly requested to be excluded from the lineup, stating, "I am always thankful for the opportunity to play."

However, Kim Min-jae's request was not granted. Excluding the Bundesliga match against VfL Bochum on the 9th, he started in every game.

Ultimately, the situation unfolded. Munich officially announced on the 15th through their club's official website that "there is a problem with Kim Min-jae's Achilles" and stated, "He will not participate as a representative of Korea during the March A-match period."

Kim Min-jae is expected to return around mid-April, taking about a month off to rest.

The German media outlet Kicker quickly reported on Coach Hong's remarks regarding Munich.

The outlet reported, "There is a sense of tension within the South Korean national team. Coach Hong mentioned Kim Min-jae's injury issue during this call-up and criticized Munich, saying, 'Munich did not properly protect Kim Min-jae in terms of injury prevention.' Vincent Kompany, the Munich coach, has emphasized managing the players' physical condition. He was aware that Kim Min-jae was suffering from an Achilles issue and explained, 'We have to manage the players' workload. We must ensure they do not become overburdened.' However, Coach Hong pointed out that there had already been significant strain (on Kim Min-jae's ankle)."

Another outlet, Sport1, also reported, "The head coach of the South Korean national football team claimed that Kim Min-jae's injury could have been prevented," asserting that Munich bears responsibility and criticizing the club.

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