South Korea's national team coach angry at Bayern over Kim's injury

Everything seems to be going smoothly for South Korea, as two wins would secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, the team’s preparations have been overshadowed by a growing dispute between head coach Myung-Bo Hong and Bayern Munich over the handling of Min-Jae Kim. The absence of the star defender has left a significant void in South Korea’s squad, and Hong has openly criticized the German club’s management of the player’s workload in recent months.

"Bayern did not protect him enough to prevent injuries," Hong stated, directly blaming the club for failing to properly manage Kim’s playing time. According to the South Korean coach, the 27-year-old defender had already been dealing with minor discomfort during the last international break in November, and there were clear indications that he needed a period of rest. However, Bayern continued to play him in high-intensity matches, which Hong believes ultimately led to the Achilles tendon injury that has now sidelined Kim for weeks.

Kim’s injury is a major setback for South Korea, as the Bayern Munich center-back is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Asian football and a crucial part of the national team’s defensive structure. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in South Korea’s success in recent years, and his absence has forced Hong to rethink his defensive strategy at a critical stage in World Cup qualification.

The controversy surrounding Bayern’s handling of Kim intensified last week when Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the player’s situation, stating, "We must not overburden him." However, Hong argues that this statement contradicts Bayern’s actual actions. He believes the club ignored medical advice and continued to play Kim in a series of demanding fixtures, including Champions League Round of 16 matches against Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Bundesliga clashes against Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart.

For Hong, the issue is not just about Kim’s injury but also about the long-term well-being of players who are caught between the demands of club football and international duty. "Min-Jae Kim is an extremely important player not only for his club Bayern but also for the national team," Hong told Yonhap News Agency. "Just because a match is important doesn't mean you should always play him."

Hong’s frustration is also rooted in Bayern’s lack of coordination with national teams regarding player fitness. During the November international break, the South Korean medical staff noticed that Kim was experiencing discomfort and decided to rest him. However, Bayern did not take the same approach once he returned to Germany, pushing him to play through his physical issues. Now, with South Korea on the verge of World Cup qualification, Hong finds himself without one of his key players.

The timing of Kim’s injury is particularly unfortunate, as South Korea is about to enter a decisive phase in their qualification campaign. They are set to face Oman on Thursday, March 20, at 12:00 CET, followed by a crucial home match against Jordan on Tuesday, March 25, at 12:00 CET. Victory in these matches would secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup, but without Kim, Hong will need to make significant adjustments to his defensive lineup.

The absence of a leader like Kim could also impact South Korea’s tactical setup, as he has been the anchor of their backline for several years. His ability to organize the defense, win aerial duels, and play out from the back has been a key asset for the team. Without him, Hong may be forced to experiment with a new defensive partnership, which could create instability at a crucial moment in qualification.

Beyond the immediate implications for the South Korean national team, Kim’s injury has sparked a broader debate about player workload and club vs. country conflicts. In recent years, international coaches have frequently expressed concerns about the demanding schedules that top players face, with many arguing that clubs prioritize their own short-term success over the long-term health of their players.

Hong’s frustration echoes similar concerns raised by other national team managers, who often find themselves in conflict with club coaches over player availability and injury management. The increasing intensity of club football, combined with packed international calendars, has made it more difficult for players to stay fit throughout an entire season.

For now, South Korea must find a way to cope without their defensive leader as they prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers. Hong will be hoping that his team can step up in Kim’s absence and secure the points needed to book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will also have to reassess their handling of the player, as they now face the possibility of being without one of their top defenders for a significant period.

Whether this situation leads to improved communication between clubs and national teams remains to be seen, but for now, South Korea will have to push forward without their defensive rock.