Bayern Munich, is the problem not defense but attack? Reasons to regret if Kim Min-jae transfers.

바이에른 뮌헨의 2024-25 시즌을 지켜보신 분들은 수비수 김민재에 대한 독일 언론과 팬들의 비판이 지나치다고 느끼실 것입니다. 그러나 실제로 바이에른의 문제는 수비보다 공격력의 부족에서 비롯된 경우가 더 많았습니다. 주요 대회에서의 성적 부진은 공격진의 득점력이 감소한 데 기인하며, 이로 인해 비판의 초점이 잘못된 방향으로 향해 있는 상황입니다. 그럼 본문에서 바로 이어서 살펴보죠.

If you have been watching Bayern Munich in the 2024-25 season, you would agree that the criticism of defender Kim Min-jae from the German media and fans has gone too far. However, the actual problem for Bayern has often stemmed from a lack of offensive power rather than defense.

Bayern Munich, Is Offense a Bigger Problem than Defense?

• In the 2024-25 season, Bayern struggled in major competitions such as the Bundesliga, Champions League, and Club World Cup due to a decrease in scoring ability.
• In the Club World Cup match against Benfica, they lost 0-1, with the attacking line’s failure to convert several crucial chances being cited as a major reason for the defeat.
• The goal contributions from key wingers like Leroy Sane, Gnabry, and Coman significantly dropped, and aside from key players like Kane and Musiala, the attacking line lacked weight.
• In fact, Bayern showed weaknesses in offensive metrics (goals, shooting accuracy, big chance misses) compared to top competitors throughout the league, with a lack of finishing ability being pointed out as a bigger issue than defensive mistakes.

The Value of Kim Min-jae, Transfer Rumors, and Reality

• Kim Min-jae faced criticism during the season due to mistakes, injuries, and the pressure of big Champions League matches, but he demonstrated superior coverage of space behind, speed, and aerial ability in the Munich defense.
• He was evaluated as the only center-back capable of handling world-class attackers like Vinicius in 1:1 situations and was recognized for having an edge in speed, individual defense, and coverage ability compared to fellow defenders like Kimmich, Upamecano, and Jonathan Tah.
• Many argue that the excessive criticism from German media and fans, which highlights only mistakes, overlooks his actual tactical contributions and the structural issues in defense.
• Coach Kompany also highly values Kim Min-jae’s tactical worth and versatility, trusting him as a key resource to maintain an extreme high-line tactic.

With the Signing of Jonathan Tah, Can Kim Min-jae Be Transferred?

• Jonathan Tah, a German international from Bayer Leverkusen, has quick feet and physicality, but evaluations suggest that he still needs more validation compared to Kim Min-jae in areas like instant speed, coverage of space behind, and aerial ability.
• In actual major matches like the Club World Cup, there were repeated instances where Tah, Upamecano, and Stanisic struggled to cope with the speed of opposing attackers when they played together.
• If Kim Min-jae’s transfer becomes a reality, there are concerns that Bayern’s high-line tactic could become even more unstable, as raised by local media and experts.

Is Kim Min-jae’s Transfer the Solution? Bayern’s Choice

• Kim Min-jae has recently returned to training, increasing the likelihood of his participation in the Club World Cup tournament, and despite transfer rumors, his position within the team remains that of a key starter.
• From Bayern and Coach Kompany’s perspective, Kim Min-jae’s transfer could lead to a weakening of the squad, and realistically, managing rotation with Tah and Upamecano for fitness and performance maintenance seems to be a more desirable option.
• Unless the attacking line is reinforced, local experts agree that strengthening offensive power is a priority for Bayern over Kim Min-jae’s transfer.

Conclusion: Would Kim Min-jae’s Transfer Be a Greater Loss for Bayern?

Looking back at Bayern Munich’s 2024-25 season, it is clear that offensive struggles were a bigger issue than defensive mistakes. Kim Min-jae’s transfer could actually be a negative for the team’s tactics and defensive stability, and local media and fans are gradually recognizing this point. If Kim Min-jae stays with the team and rotates with Upamecano and Tah, Bayern’s defense can still maintain its position among the best in Europe.