Lennart Karl is joining the DFB’s second week of training under Jürgen Klopp. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the Bayern prospect.
Now things are getting serious for Lennart Karl as well. After the 18-year-old Bayern prospect was not yet part of the DFB squad during the first week of Jürgen Klopp’s XXL training camp, Karl is joining the national team for the matches against Serbia and Greece.
Karl was originally even scheduled for the first part of the training camp. However, due to load management, he swapped spots with Karim Adeyemi and was moved to Klopp’s second squad. Now he has the opportunity to make his debut under the new national team coach.
The timing could hardly be better. Germany was particularly disappointing on offense in its 0-1 loss to Greece. Despite dominating possession, the team lacked pace, moments of surprise, and individual creativity in the final third.
These are precisely the qualities Karl brings to the table. The youngster has already shown at FC Bayern that he dribbles with confidence, seeks a direct path to the goal, and doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, even on the big stage.
Karl could make his debut at the Allianz Arena of all places
Added to that is a special setting. Germany hosts Serbia on Thursday evening in Munich—the match will be played at the Allianz Arena. Karl could thus make his international debut under Klopp at his own club’s stadium, of all places. Joining him on the second-string roster are three other Bayern pros: Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof, and Jonas Urbig.
Klopp had already made it clear when he announced the roster just how highly he rates the young attacking talent: “Both were very pleasant to talk to and confident. Lennart Karl is ready; he’s a powerhouse. He’s bold in a positive way—he has everything it takes,” said the national team coach about Karl and Tom Bischof.
Despite his young age, Karl is by no means a complete newcomer to the DFB squad. He already has three senior international appearances under his belt. Under Klopp, however, he is still waiting for his first appearance.
After the lackluster performance against Greece, the situation couldn’t be more intriguing for the youngster. Klopp wants to get to know more players in his second week and, at the same time, needs new offensive momentum. Karl now has the opportunity to prove himself—possibly, of all places, right where he feels at home anyway.