Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany had to help translate for defender Kim Min-jae at an unusual news conference before the German club’s friendly against South Korea’s Jeju SK.
The incident occurred during Bayern’s Asian tour after the official interpreter explained that he could translate only from English into Korean. He was unable to translate questions asked in German into either Korean or English.
Kompany therefore translated the German questions into English himself, allowing Kim to respond during the briefing.
Kim was asked about competition for places at centre-back with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah. The South Korea international said he welcomed the challenge and was pleased with his relationship with both players.
“The competition at Bayern Munich is strong every season, and I am happy to compete with them. We have a great relationship and I learn a lot from them, so I am completely satisfied,” Kim said.
The defender also dismissed suggestions that he could leave Bayern Munich. Kim joined the club from Napoli in 2023 and, despite the competition for defensive places, said he remained committed to continuing with the Bundesliga side.
“I am very happy at Bayern Munich. I have given my all in every match, and I hope to get more opportunities this season and continue my journey with the team,” he said.
Kompany backed his player and praised the effort Kim has shown in both training and matches.
“Min-jae always gives his maximum in training and matches, and he had an outstanding season. I do not care about ranking or ordering defenders, but what they produce on the pitch, and I want to see this competitive spirit in all positions,” said the Bayern manager.
The conference then took another light-hearted turn when Kompany jokingly questioned the accuracy of the translation while discussing his impressions of attending a match in the Korean league.
According to German newspaper Bild, the remark prompted laughter in the room, with Kompany continuing his answer in a relaxed atmosphere despite the earlier communication problem.
The event ended with a presentation that added to the unusual nature of the occasion. Organisers gave Kompany and Kim a football-pitch-shaped cake decorated with the Bayern Munich and Jeju SK badges, as well as the date of the match.
The pair posed for photographs with Jeju SK manager Sergio Costa and goalkeeper Dongjun Kim, bringing the media conference to a close.
Bayern’s appearance in South Korea forms part of their Asian tour, with the friendly against Jeju SK providing the immediate sporting focus. However, the language issue, the jokes over the translation and the commemorative cake ensured the pre-match media duties became as notable for their informal moments as for the questions about Bayern’s squad.
