Bayern Munich, which is said to be protecting its players, is possibly risking Kim Min-jae (29, Munich).

Bayern Munich won 3-2 against St. Pauli in the 27th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga at their home ground, Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 29th (Korean time). With 65 points, Bayern Munich continues to lead the Bundesliga.

The victory was achieved by substituting in Kim Min-jae. Currently, Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is out indefinitely due to a calf injury. Alfonso Davies also suffered a serious injury with a torn Chonbang ligament. To make matters worse, Kim Min-jae's partner, Dayo Upamecano, is out for at least three months due to a knee injury.

Since October, Kim Min-jae has had issues with his hamstring. Ultimately, he was unable to attend the national team call-up in March. There was also a standoff between national team coach Hong Myung-bo and Munich regarding Kim Min-jae's injury.

Coach Hong Myung-bo noted, "Munich has not properly protected their players," targeting Munich for failing to manage Kim Min-jae. In response, Munich stated, "Player salaries are provided by the club. The issue of player usage is a matter that the employer, the club, must decide."

Munich blamed the Canadian Football Association for the injury of Alfonso Davies. Munich claimed that despite Davies injuring his Chonbang ligament, he was made to take a 12-hour flight back to Germany due to the negligence of the Canadian Football Association and indicated that it would seek legal responsibility.

Director General Christoph Freund of Munich stated, "The problem lies after the injury. Davies thought it was not a serious injury while taking the 12-hour flight back to Germany. It was later discovered that he had a serious injury. Davies boarded the plane without thorough examinations. This is a significant oversight. We will take possible legal action against the Canadian Football Association," signaling a messy dispute.

However, Munich did not hold the same standard for Kim Min-jae. With several defenders injured, Munich could not afford to let Kim Min-jae rest as well. Ultimately, Kim Min-jae played the full match in his return despite not being in optimal condition. This act contradicts Munich's claims of player protection.

Ito Hiroki, a defender of the Japanese national team, who was expected to start in place of Kim Min-jae, came on as a substitute in the 58th minute and played for about 40 minutes. The prediction by the Japanese media that Ito could be an alternative for Kim Min-jae was entirely unreasonable.

Ultimately, Munich seems intent on maintaining its lead at the cost of Kim Min-jae's sacrifice. When will Kim Min-jae finally receive protection?

[OSEN]