Bayern Munich coach Tuchel still showed confidence in Kim Min-jae's skills.
Bayern Munich will play its home game in the 27th round of the Bundesliga in the 2023-24 season against Dortmund at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the morning of the 31st, and Tuchel attended a press conference held a day before the game and mentioned the defense. While Tuchel has recently used Dier and De Ligt as the main center back combination, Kim Min-jae has been excluded from the starting list for the last three consecutive games.
"The door is not closed to anyone. We are engaged in a healthy competition. Now we have a tough few weeks where we need all four center backs," Tuchel said. "Kim Min-jae and Upamecano are excellent players. We have four center backs who are improving their skills through training, and no one doubts the skills of Kim Min-jae and Upamecano."
Tuchel also expressed satisfaction with Dier's and Dier's recent performances, saying, "Dier and Dierrit made changes due to difficult matches due to Uppamecano's injury. Dier and Dierrit did well."
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German media TZ predicted Bayern Munich's starting list against Dortmund, predicting that Kim Min-jae will not be included in the starting list in this match. The media predicted that Bayern Munich would have Kane as a striker against Dortmund, while Janelle, Müller and Mussiala would lead the attack. The midfield was expected to be formed by Reimer and Goretzka, while Davis, De Ligt, Dyer and Kimmich would build the defense. The goalkeeper was expected to have Ulaihi play instead of Neuer, who was injured.
Bayern Munich is ranking second in the Bundesliga this season with 19 wins, three draws and four losses 60 points. Bayern Munich is 10 points behind Leverkusen 70 points, the leader of the league, which has been undefeated this season. Dortmund, which will face off against Bayern Munich, is ranking fourth in the league with 14 wins, eight draws and four losses 50 points. It is the first time in 14 years that Bayern Munich and Dortmund play a match where one of the two teams is not atop the league.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich defenders Kim Min-jae and De Ligt were considered the most valuable center backs among the Bundesliga players this season. In the Bundesliga Best 11 Market Value list selected by German transfer media Transfer Markt, Kim Min-jae and De Ligt were listed as center backs in the best 11. Kim Min-jae's market value was set at 55 million euros while De Ligt's market value was set at 65 million euros. Upamecano's market value fell to 50 million euros.
Bayern Munich coach Tuchel is leaving the team after the end of this season, and the possibility of a change in Bayern Munich's defense is also expected.
German media outlet 90 min said, "Kim Min-jae and Upamecano lost their starting positions at Bayern Munich, and speculation has begun about the future of the two defenders." The situation at the defense line at Bayern Munich is extremely confusing. In the first half of this season, Kim Min-jae and Upamecano were trusted by Tuchel as they played almost 100 percent of the matches. However, due to their lackluster performances, their ranks as center backs in the second half of this season have completely reversed."
"Currently, De Ligt and Dier are forming defense teams in Bayern Munich, showing signs of calmness. For Kim Min-jae and Upamecano, the situation is not satisfactory, and rumors of a transfer are being raised more and more. The future of the defense will be affected by the new Bayern Munich coach's plans. This applies to De Ligt as well. De Ligt said transfer rumors were consistent before he regained his starting position. "The most likely scenario is the transfer of Upamecano. There were many mistakes in important matches. Patience towards Upamecano is likely to run out quickly. Bayern Munich is satisfied with the recruitment of Kim Min-jae."
Rumors are constantly being made about Bayern Munich's signing of the center back. Spanish media Marca said, "Barcelona already know that Bayern Munich has 100 million euros to buy Araujo. Bayern Munich is willing to pay 100 million euros to buy Araujo. It has not made an official offer yet, but Bayern Munich made one through its agent."