Shocking. "Kim Minjae erased it and hit Ito."" Director Kompany's change of mind? Japan Praises "Puzzle to Complete Munich Defense"

*This content was translated by AI.

Hiroki Ito (27), who has returned despite his injury, seems to be driving out "competitor" Kim Min-jae (30).

Munich won 5-1 at home against Hoffenheim in the 21st round of the Bundesliga in the 2025-2026 season at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on the 9th (Korea time).

Munich, which had been unbeaten in the league since the opening, has recently been unstable with one draw and one loss, raised the mood again with the victory and led the league with 54 points (17 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss). Hoffenheim, which has been gaining momentum with its last five consecutive wins, has been in third place with 42 points (13 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses) by reducing the difference in skills with Munich, the strongest team in the league.

Kim Min-jae's name was not on the list, causing Korean fans to wonder. Kim Min-jae, who is playing in 22 official games this season, also played in the previous match against Hamburg, so there was no injury issue. Kim Min-jae started on the bench this season and was replaced, but it is the first time except for the injury period.

According to the German 'Bavarian Football Works', head coach Bang Sang Kompany previously predicted that "there will be a rotation if all players are in the best condition." He said, "It's not because someone did something wrong. We need sound competition," he added.

It was Ito who Kompany chose Kim Min-jae to be excluded from the list. The central defensive line was formed by Dayo Upamecano and Yonatanta. Ito was the only central defender on the list.

Ito was put in place of another in the 18th minute of the second half. He played for about 31 minutes until the end of the game, playing an easy defense. Ito, who returned from injury in November last year, has been steadily playing recently after gradually increasing his playing time.

Ito's advantage is that he plays not only center back but also left fullback. He played as a key defender for his former team Stuttgart, alternating between center-back and full-back. He is 188 centimeters tall and weighs 84 kilograms, and has good and fast feet. Like a Japanese player, he has good feet and good pass ability.

Japan's Soccer Digest said, "Ito, who played full time against PSV Eindhoven in the last Champions League, started off the bench and arranged his physical strength in this league game," stressing that Coach Bang Sang Kompany classifies him as a key rotation resource for long-term races, not just a backup.

"Even among prominent world-class center backs such as Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, and Jota, Ito is playing a 'key puzzle' that thickens the depth of the defense with its multi-ability to and from center back and fullback," he said.

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*This content was translated by AI.