Lennart Karl has had a tough few weeks at FC Bayern. Following his injury and recent inconsistent performances, the 18-year-old came under increasing criticism. However, the talented forward made an impressive comeback with his crucial goal in the 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid. Now the youngster is receiving strong backing from sporting director Christoph Freund.
At the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match against Mainz 05, the Austrian made it clear that the club’s leadership continues to stand fully behind Karl. His exceptional personality and tremendous work ethic in training are particularly valued at Säbener Straße.
The past few days have been extremely successful for Karl. Following his spectacular opening goal in Madrid, more good news came on Thursday: National Team coach Jürgen Klopp called up the Bayern youngster to the German national team roster. Freund also expressly welcomes this move.
Freund defends Karl’s unique personality
“I haven’t spoken with Jürgen Klopp, but he knows what Lenny brings to the table—we know what Lenny brings to the table,” explained the Bayern sporting director.
Freund attributes the fact that Karl is already making a splash at the highest level despite his young age primarily to his attitude. “For us, what matters most is how hard he works. A big reason why he took off so strongly last season was because he worked so hard,” emphasized the 49-year-old.
In his first full professional season, Karl impressed with nine goals and seven assists in 38 competitive matches. However, his development was subsequently slowed by a torn muscle in his left thigh. The injury also cost him a spot on the World Cup roster.
After his return, the forward needed some time to regain his former form. Most recently, his public demeanor and his goal celebration against Atlético also sparked some debate.
Freund, however, doesn’t see Karl’s self-assured manner as a fundamental drawback.
“He’s a different kind of guy than other young players, but we want characters like that. He’s bold, he doesn’t give a damn, he scores goals that others don’t, he’s courageous—and he’s different off the field, too. That’s part of it; I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I actually think it’s good for the league and the team.”
“He’s fought his way back.”
With his assessment, Freund offers a striking counterpoint to the recent public criticism.
Among others, Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß had questioned the young player’s behavior and announced his intention to have a serious talk with him.
Freund, however, pointed to the difficult past few months and the 18-year-old’s resilience. “It’s been a tough time—he was injured, including a major one. He’s fought his way back,” explained the sporting director.
At the same time, he made it clear that Karl must continue to prove his worth through hard work. “The foundation is that he works hard—and he does. That’s why I’m confident he’ll prove himself on the field. I think he’s earned his spot on the national team,” Freund emphasized.
With his goal against Atlético, Karl has already delivered an important performance on the field. The youngster not only scored the opening goal but also reached the milestone of five Champions League goals at the age of 18 years and 254 days. Only Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Raúl were younger when they scored their fifth goal in the Champions League.
His subsequent call-up to the national team underscores that, despite his recent struggles, Karl remains one of Germany’s greatest offensive prospects.
For Freund, it’s clear that FC Bayern needs exactly these kinds of players: bold talents with their own personalities who can make a difference on the field. The key, however, is for Karl to consistently stay the course he’s set for himself.