Kim Min-jae reflects on first six months at Bayern Munich
Harry Kane has been the best signing for Bayern Munich from the summer transfer window due to his instant impact in the final third. The English forward has already scored 25 goals for Bayern in less than six months. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Kane ends up being the signing of the season across the top five leagues at the end of the campaign.
Along with making an impactful signing in the attack, Die Roten also got the desired output from their defensive signing from the summer transfer window. Kim Min-jae has been a mainstay in the starting XI during Hinrunde due to his consistent performances.
The South Korean defender has been a sound replacement for Lucas Hernandez. He has looked dominant with duels and fairly good on the ball when Bayern plays out from the back. The 27-year-old center-back also scored his first goal for Die Roten earlier this month against VfB Stuttgart.
Despite playing regularly in Hinrunde, Kim Min-jae is not completely satisfied with the first six months in Munich. While talking to T-online (via Bulinews), Kim Min-jae admitted that he still doesn’t feel secure about his place in the starting XI. He wants to become a much more consistent player to firmly cement a place in the team.
""I am not completely satisfied with my first six months in the Bundesliga. I still don't feel like a regular player. That's why I'm still unsure. When the three of us are really competing, you don't know how it will turn out."
- Kim Min-jae
"
Barring a few mistakes here and there, it does feel like Kim Min-jae is hard on himself. However, this is the type of attitude Bayern players should have to make sure they compete for the biggest trophies every year.
The first few months at a big club and a new country are challenging for players. Despite the change in league and country, Kim Min-jae has shown great temperament to achieve consistent performances. He will get stronger and better as the season progresses.
The South Korean defender will be missed by Bayern and Tuchel during the next few weeks as he will be playing in the Asian Cup. Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano will have to see out this phase to ensure Die Roten pick up maximum points. Bayern are also looking to sign another defender in January to add more depth and quality in the heart of defense.
Kim Min-jae is not the only Bayern player who will be away during January for international football. Noussair Mazraoui has been called up by Morocco for the AFCON. The former Ajax full-back is currently recovering from injury. He was initially expected to miss the AFCON, but Morocco FA believes that he will be fit before the knockout games of the tournament.