Kompany bridges language gap for Kim Min-jae at Bayern Munich press conference

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was forced to act as an interpreter for defender Kim Min-jae after a translation problem disrupted the club’s press conference before their friendly against South Korean side Jeju SK FC.

The unusual exchange took place during Bayern’s Asian tour, when the official interpreter explained that he could translate only from English into Korean. He was unable to interpret questions asked in German into either Korean or English.

Kompany therefore translated the German questions into English himself, allowing Kim to understand them and respond.

The South Korea international was asked about competition for places at centre-back, where he is competing with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah.

“Competition at Bayern Munich is strong every season and I am happy to compete with them,” Kim said. “We have a great relationship and I learn a lot from them, so I am completely satisfied.”

Kim also dismissed speculation that he could leave Bayern Munich, saying he remains committed to the German club.

“I am very happy at Bayern Munich,” he said. “I have given everything I have in every match and I hope to get more opportunities this season and continue my journey with the team.”

Kompany backed his defender and praised his attitude in training and matches.

“Min-jae always gives his best in training and matches, and he had an outstanding season,” said the Bayern boss. “I am not interested in ranking or ordering defenders, but in what they produce on the pitch. I want to see that competitive spirit in every position.”

The media event also produced another light-hearted moment when Kompany jokingly questioned the accuracy of the translation while discussing his impressions after attending a match in the South Korean league.

According to German newspaper Bild, the manager continued speaking as the room broke into laughter.

The conference ended with another unusual scene when organisers presented Kompany and Kim with a football-pitch-shaped cake. It featured the Bayern Munich and Jeju SK FC crests, along with the date of the match.

The pair posed for photographs with Jeju SK FC manager Sergio Costa and goalkeeper Dong-jun Kim, bringing to a close a press conference that combined a language problem, friendly banter and a celebratory presentation.

Bayern are in South Korea as part of their Asian tour and will face Jeju SK FC in a friendly match. The meeting with the hosts provided the backdrop for Kim’s comments about his future and his battle for a place in Kompany’s defence, while the translation issue ensured that the briefing became an event in its own right.