Despite the 'overuse controversy' between the national team and his affiliated team, Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) is expected to play in the weekend's game.
Kim Min-jae's team Munich will play an away game against Cologne in the 12th round of the 2023-2024 Bundesliga season at the RheinEnergy Stadion in Cologne, Germany at 4:30 a.m. (Korean time) on the 25th.
At an official press conference the day before the game, Munich coach Thomas Tuchel hinted at the possibility of playing against Cologne, saying, “Kim Min-jae and Alphonso Davis returned today,” and “It is a very regrettable schedule, but it cannot be an excuse.”
This round in Munich will be held on Friday afternoon local time.
There is not enough time for players to recover after completing their national team schedules during the November international matches.
Coach Tuchel said, “We plan to move on the morning of the game so that the players can get some rest.”
Center back Matthijs De Ligt's absence due to injury also weighs on Kim Min-jae's appearance. Currently, the only central defensive resources available to Munich are Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano.
However, Coach Tuchel said, “Kim Min-jae, Davis, etc. had a heavy physical burden due to the A match. “We will wait a little longer and decide on the starting lineup,” he explained.
Kim Min-jae played full-time in most of 17 of Munich's 18 official games this season.
During the international match period this November, he played as a starter in the games against Singapore (5-0 win) and China (3-0 win). Long-distance flights also have a negative effect on Kim Min-jae's physical strength.
Nevertheless, the possibility of Kim Min-jae taking a break is not high.
Munich is in second place (29) in the Bundesliga this season. A win against Cologne is important to chase down leader Leverkusen (31 points). 19가이드03
