The tide has turned. A name that until just a few months ago was called "irreplaceable" now finds itself in a position where even a substitute spot cannot be guaranteed. Kim Min-jae (30, Bayern Munich)'s time has stopped.
Bayern on the 12th (Korea time) defeated RB Leipzig 2-0 in the 2025-2026 DFB-Pokal quarterfinals at Allianz Arena. Harry Kane and Luis Díaz's consecutive goals. The result was tidy. But domestic fans' eyes remained on the bench rather than the pitch. Kim Min-jae did not play for the full 90 minutes.
There were already signs. In the league match against Hoffenheim on the 9th, he was completely left off the roster. There was no injury and no suspension. Since joining Munich in July 2023, this is the first time he has been classified as unavailable for two consecutive matches while healthy. This is different in nature from a simple rest.
The on-site choice was clear. Coach Vincent Kompany used Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano as center backs. Late in the second half when the momentum had swung, there was an opportunity to make a substitution.
But Kompany's gaze did not turn to Kim Min-jae. The name chosen to strengthen the defense in stoppage time was Ito Hiroki. At a moment when defensive numbers were needed, Kim Min-jae was not called. It's a matter of pecking order. There is an interpretation that he has dropped to at least third-choice, and in some situations fourth-choice.
The local German evaluation is also cold. Bild noted that Kompany faces a complex choice, but added that Kim Min-jae's place is not visible in the current defensive plan.
Especially Jonathan Tah, who joined from Leverkusen, has already opened a gap in playing time. The coach's trust is proven by the numbers.
Kompany drew a line, saying it was not because of someone's mistake but part of rotation. He explained it is a process of fixing the best 11 as the schedule lightens. But the result is ruthless. Under the name of rotation, Kim Min-jae's minute-by-minute playing record is disappearing.
The market reacts too. During the winter transfer window, transfer rumors linking him to Chelsea surfaced. Serie A big clubs AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli are also watching the situation. Big clubs do not wait. When opportunities shrink, alternatives are presented immediately.
The match on the 14th against Bremen is a turning point. If he is again excluded from the starting lineup or his absence is prolonged, this will be a message rather than a rest. Bayern's competition is merciless. Toni Kroos has also left. a big name is not a shield.
The nickname "monster" is still valid. The problem is that the nickname is not being proven on the pitch. The longer the bench becomes, the more unfamiliar and cruel it is.
It remains to be seen whether Kim Min-jae will break down this wall again or prepare a new option.<
[OSEN]