Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae admits he’s worried he could lose starting role after Asian Cup commitments

The amount of trouble that Bayern Munich will face in January as a result of players leaving and a thin team has received a lot of attention. Despite their injuries, Noussair Mazraoui, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and Kim Minjae will probably be called up to play for their respective nations in the Asia Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. However, it’s also important to note that it could give the players themselves headaches. Recently, Minjae addressed this very topic in an interview with t-online, which was caught on camera by @iMiaSanMia. He mentioned his concern that he won’t be as popular when he returns.

“I will have to leave my spot at Bayern during the tournament,” he says. Additionally, Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs De Ligt are likely to be the starting defensive tandem if they perform well now. He will still be trusted if he performs well while I’m not around. That is an unavoidable fact of life. I must thus keep up the struggle for my position and do well when I return.

Naturally, thus far, that hasn’t been the case. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s choice at the center of the defense is now extremely straightforward due to injuries. The rivalry between the three highly regarded center backs will be exciting to watch.

…if no more harm ruins it, of course.