2024-10-02 19:19:31
Kim herself confirmed this impression. In an interview with t-online, which the South Korean actually conducted in English, he raved about Kompany’s approach to the game. He mentioned the key word several times – in German: “Gegenpressing.” Kim has apparently found his favorite German word.
“He explains to us players in much more detail what he wants. And because the whole team plays well, I can play well too,” said Kim about Kompany. In doing so, he at least indirectly sent a small tip towards former coach Thomas Tuchel, who had publicly criticized his style of play as “sometimes too greedy” after a few mistakes.
He hasn’t changed anything in his own game as a defensive player, said Kim. The feeling is still better now. “It’s about more details compared to last year – when we play and train,” he said. “We are now playing more aggressively with the new coach – and with counter-pressing.”
The approach, which focuses on dominance, possession of the ball and offensive football, is well received by the team. However, the opponent’s high start also brings risks – especially for the two central defenders. “You have to defend huge spaces,” said Kimmich. “You have to have a lot of quality to be able to stand 50-60 meters in front of the goal and defend the large space behind it.” And speed. The top values achieved last season also speak clearly for Upamecano (35 km/h) and Kim (34.8 km/h) and against de Ligt (32.8 km/h).
So far, Kim and Upamecano have justified the decision for them on the pitch. Kim is increasingly hinting at why he was voted the best defender in the Italian Serie A in 2023 and why Bayern transferred 50 million euros for him to SSC Napoli last summer. Due to his aggressive style of play, he earned the nickname of the defensive “monster” in Italy.
“We had a few problems in the first game in Wolfsburg,” said Kim about the interaction with Upamecano, “but now it’s getting better and better. Our communication is very good. We want to continue like this.”
Kim also explicitly praised Kompany’s communication. “He talks a lot not only to me and Upa, but to the whole team,” he said. As can be heard on Säbener Straße, this is also a crucial difference compared to the previous season. “I can still learn a lot from him,” Kim said of Kompany. “He knows how to defend and has good tactics.” And with Kim and Upamecano they are obviously exactly the right defensive players for it.