Bayern Munich star impresses during first week of pre-season training

Bayern Munich central defender Kim Min-Jae has been impressing during pre-season training as he looks to win a place in the starting XI for the coming campaign. The South Korean defender is determined to do well in his second season at Bayern.

According to TZ, people in charge, who regularly follow the training sessions closely, have a very positive view of Kim at the moment. "The word at the club is that the hungry defensive monster is back". Further, Kim is seemingly fitter and determined to make a fresh start at Bayern Munich.

Kim had a mixed debut season at Bayern, showing several good performances before the winter break. He wasn't able to make the same impact after the mid-season Asia Cup, and often looked off the pace, before losing his spot in the starting XI. The 27-year-old defender has now had plenty of rest to recharge and can go into the new season with a fresh impetus.

TZ say that since Kim returned from his holiday, the defender seems happier than he did in the second half of last season. "After training, he diligently signs autographs and fulfils fans' photo requests". Kim is also helping Hiroko Ito to settle in, with the two seen together in the City.

There is little doubt that when on form, Kim is a certain starter in the middle of the Bayern defense. He spent one year at Napoli, helping them to win their first Scudetto of this century. The Naples club then finished ninth last season after the South Korean's departure.

The South Korean defender showed at the start of last season how good a player he is, and post-Asian Games fatigue does not make him a bad player, not by any stretch of the imagination.

Kim Min-jae will have significant competition in central defense next season. After signing Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart, Bayern are also trying to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. The German defender has already agreed personal terms with the record Bundesliga champions.

In terms of departures, Bayern are open to selling Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch international was Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice center-back during Ruckrunde last season, but his wages and injury concerns have forced Die Roten to listen to offers for him. Dayot Upamecano is also facing an uncertain future at Bayern.