Lennart Karl’s unsuccessful step-over in the 5-1 home win against TSG Hoffenheim has been the subject of much discussion over the past few days. The 17-year-old Bayern youngster’s move went viral on social media and drew numerous reactions. Now, for the first time, head coach Vincent Kompany has also spoken publicly about it – and taken a clear stance
The youngster was substituted in the 63rd minute and shortly afterwards went one-on-one with Hoffenheim’s Alexander Prass on the right wing. However, his attempt to outplay his opponent with a step-over went wrong. Karl lost control of the ball and it bounced out of bounds. Prass acknowledged the scene with an ironic thumbs-up gesture. Although it had no sporting significance, the action became the viral moment of the match
Kompany comes to Karl’s defense
While there was malice and criticism on social media and even some talk of arrogance, Kompany was emphatically relaxed. „I didn’t even look at it, it passed me by,“ explained the Belgian before the cup match against RB Leipzig. Something else was decisive for him: „If something bothers me, I will address it 100 per cent. At that moment, I thought to myself that he had messed up the overlap – but that was it.“
The Bayern coach made it clear that creativity was expressly encouraged. „I won’t punish my players if they make overlaps. Many people come to the stadium precisely for these actions. Attackers can try a bit more than defenders, and I encourage them to do so,“ said Kompany. He only draws the line when it becomes disrespectful: „If I see arrogance towards opponents, I address that – but that wasn’t the case here.“
Recent performance curve with a dip
Regardless of the debate surrounding the dribbling fail, however, it is noticeable that Karl’s most recent appearances have been somewhat more inconspicuous in sporting terms. Despite regular playing time, the winger has only managed one goal in the Bundesliga and one assist in the Champions League since the turn of the year
Karl scored his last league goal in mid-January in an away game against 1. FC Köln, when he scored the final goal in a 3-1 win. In the Champions League, he caught the eye with an assist against PSV Eindhoven, when he set up Jamal Musiala’s comeback goal. Kompany’s clear backing, however, shows that individual unsuccessful actions do not change the coach’s confidence in one of FC Bayern’s greatest talents.