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Munich Kim Min-jae is missing from expected starting list again

National team defender Kim Min-jae (28), who plays for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, is having difficulties competing for a starting position for the first time since his transfer. He was benched in the previous game and was excluded from the expected starting lineup for the upcoming game as well.

Bayern Munich will play a home game in the 25th round of the 2023-24 Bundesliga against Mainz at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany at 11:30 pm on the 9th (Korean time).

Kim Min-jae did not get playing time in the second leg of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 against Lazio (Italy) held on the 6th.

Some analyzed this as distribution of physical strength for participation in the league match to be held three days later. However, German media outlet 'Kicker' excluded Kim Min-jae's name again when predicting the starting lineup for the Mainz match.

The media pointed out that it would be effective for Eric Dier and Matthias de Ligt, who showed good performances in the previous game, including conceding no goals, to continue to take charge of central defense.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel also said after the goalless win (3-0) against Lazio, “It was a difficult decision to exclude Kim Min-jae. However, it is clear that Dier and De Ligt are showing good form recently,” he said, hinting at a different competitive structure than before.

Kim Min-jae has adapted perfectly to the team early on after joining Bayern Munich in this summer transfer market, and has played as a starter in every game despite injuries to existing starting defenders. He played so many games that there was even a 'controversy over overuse.'

However, the situation changed drastically when Dier joined through the winter transfer window. Initially, Kim Min-jae and De Ligt were the starting players and Dier was substituted, but Dier gradually increased his position and is now paired with De Ligt instead of Kim Min-jae.

In the 23rd round match against Leipzig, Dier and De Ligt played the main roles, and Kim Min-jae only played the last 9 minutes of the second half.

Although I am cautious, Kim Min-jae is now in a position where I have to worry about his starting position.

If Kim Min-jae misses the game against Mainz following the game against Lazio, it will be the first time he has missed two games in a row since moving to Munich, excluding being called up to the national team.