‘I should have played better’ – Kim Min-jae addresses mistakes despite playing through injury | OneFootball

Kim Min-jae has missed just four Bundesliga games and has been playing through the pain barrier since October due to Achilles tendonitis. The South Korean defender has unjustifiably come under criticism with his recent performances, which he addressed in an interview with Korean TV station Leestar.

“The Achilles tendon problem is still there,” said Kim via TZ. “But I’m gritting my teeth, closing my eyes and getting through it.”

Prior to Bayern Munich’s Champions League game against Inter, FIFAPRO noted that while Kim has endured Achilles pain, he’s also travelled 74,000km and is projected to play 70+ matches when considering club and international appearances.

FIFAPRO also noted that over winter, Kim played 20 games back-to-back, averaging just 3.7 days between rest.

“Mistakes, injuries, or too many games, those are perhaps just excuses,” added Kim. “I still have to stay focused. That’s my job. I have to be able to deal with that. Mistakes were also caused by pain, of course. But ultimately, I should have played better.”

Because of injuries to fellow central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Hirko Ito, Vincent Kompany has had to rely on Kim, which has increased the South Korean’s workload well above the norm.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder