Lennart Karl is slowly getting into his stride. It hasn’t been long since his comeback with FC Bayern following a protracted muscle injury, and he scored a goal in Elversberg.
However, he also made headlines during that game—and not in a particularly positive way. Immediately after scoring, the young FC Bayern player couldn’t resist making a provocative celebration directed at the Saarland fans. Karl moved toward the stands and placed his index finger to his mouth.
This is a gesture meant to make it unmistakably clear that the fans should now be quiet. Naturally, this drew reactions from the home fans.
Karl talks about the provocation after the 1-0 goal
Karl himself felt the backlash. The Bayern forward was booed, especially whenever he touched the ball afterward—and essentially until he was substituted.
After the match, Karl addressed the situation and took responsibility. “It’s just emotions. I’m sorry if they misunderstood me—I didn’t mean it that way,” said the scorer of the opening goal. And he added: “Most soccer fans know that it’s just emotions and that this is simply part of the game. I’m sorry.”
However, the situation shouldn’t be overblown, especially with a young player like Karl. Above all, because he immediately showed understanding and knows that it was simply an overreaction in the heat of the moment after scoring that important goal.
Karl described his goal this way: “Yes, luckily I was at the far post. I got a little lucky that I got the ball, that it slipped through, and then the finish was good.”
It’s still unclear whether Karl will be called up to the national team. Jürgen Klopp will announce his roster on Thursday; there are arguments for Karl, but also against him. He’s not quite in rhythm yet, but this international break can be used ideally to help players like him find their rhythm. Hardly any player plays four games in ten days anyway.