When the full squad returned, choices became colder. Coach Vincent Kompany did not hesitate.
German outlet TZ reported on the 11th (Korean time), "Kompany declared that the moment the options widened with a fully fit Bayern Munich, they would enter an infinite competition system through rotation," and added, "and the first person to face the decision was Kim Min-jae."
Munich defeated Hoffenheim 5-1 in the 2025-2026 Bundesliga round 21 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 9th.
They gained a numerical advantage when Hoffenheim's Kevin Akpoguma was sent off in the 17th minute of the first half, and two penalty kicks by Harry Kane and a hat trick by Luis Díaz added up to a big win.
More attention than the match itself fell on the roster. Kim Min-jae was not only left out of the starting lineup but was omitted from the matchday squad entirely. The center-back pairing was handled by Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano, and Hiroki Ito was named on the bench. There was no place for Kim Min-jae.
Director General Max Eberl also drew a line, saying, "All players were fit to play. So there was no place for Kim Min-jae. That does not mean this choice will carry over to the next match. It means competition is possible."
Local media took a slightly different view. Bavarian Football, which specializes in Bayern Munich news, noted, "A fully healthy squad is rare at Bayern. It can be a happy problem," but added, "that does not mean the most important players will be left out."
It added, "The fact that Kim Min-jae was not included in the important match squad says it all."
The situation surrounding Kim Min-jae is already sensitive. He has fallen behind in the starting competition this season and his playing time has decreased, and transfer rumors have not stopped since last summer. Several clubs showed interest in the winter transfer market as well, but Kim Min-jae made his intention to stay clear. Even so, being omitted from the squad despite being fit, and Ito Hiroki's inclusion, was not something to be taken lightly.
Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano said, "Kim Min-jae could leave the team in the summer. Bayern is aware of that," an interpretation different from the rotation explanation.
At the postmatch press conference after the TSG Hoffenheim win, when Kompany was asked about Kim Min-jae's sudden omission from the squad, he answered in English. Among local reporters, it was taken as a signal of a 'sensitive question.'
Kompany's explanation was simple. "Excluding someone from the squad has no special meaning. It's simply a decision that must be made," he said.
He added, "There are fewer matches in February. You have to use that time. March will again bring a heavy schedule," and said, "This match was for Kim Min-jae, but it could be another player in the next match."
It is effectively a warning of rotation. Bayern's defensive unit has abundant options. Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanišić can play both center back and fullback. Konrad Laimer and Tom Bischof are also multi-position assets. A full squad means a competitive system.
The midfield is no exception. Leon Goretzka has not played a single match since he expressed his intention to leave the team this summer. Kompany drew a line, saying, "I trust Leon and the other players. But there is no need to explain everything."
It means managing playing time according to the stage of the season.
The upcoming schedule is not light. In particular, the Pokal match against Leipzig is a single-elimination game. Defeat means immediate elimination. The first cup opportunity under the Kompany regime could disappear.
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen emphasized, "We have not been to Berlin (the final venue) in the last five years. We are a team that reached it eight times in the previous 10 years. We have to catch up." Director General Max Eberl also noted, "Neither team is perfect, but only the result matters in the Pokal."
A full squad means competition, not stability. Kompany's message is clear. The criterion is current need, not reputation. And Bayern is again entering a season of decisions.
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