“Min-Jae just needed a little break.”

Speaking to the Sky microphones before kickoff in yesterday evening’s “Top-Spiel” against Leipzig, FCB trainer Thomas Tuchel explained that central defender Min-Jae Kim’s benching wasn’t related to performance issues. 

After going the full 90 minutes in all three games since his return from international duty at the AFC Asian Cup, South Korean defender Min-Jae Kim found himself benched in favor of Tottenham-loanee Eric Dier in FC Bayern München’s 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig last night. Speaking to the Sky microphones prior to kickoff, FCB trainer Thomas Tuchel made it clear that – despite lagging form – the decision to exclude the 27-year-old was not performance-related.

“Min-Jae simply needed a little break,” Tuchel said of the Taeguk Warrior who did play five tournament fixtures (two of which went into extra time) for country, “He’s a few percentage points beyond his limit. It’s nothing major.”

Tuchel nevertheless did strongly suggest that he was a tad more pleased with the central defensive partnership of Dier and Dutch international Matthjis de Ligt. The Bayern gaffer lauded the pair for their increased ability to “communicate with one another and organize the supporting players”. One still assumes that Kim shall return next Friday against Freiburg. De Ligt – having incurred his fifth yellow of the season – will have to miss the next league fixture.

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