Public criticism of Lennart Karl continues to spark debate at FC Bayern. Sky expert Didi Hamann cannot understand how the Munich club’s leadership is handling the 18-year-old offensive talent and has leveled clear accusations.
There’s currently quite a stir at FC Bayern surrounding Lennart Karl. After honorary president Uli Hoeneß publicly called on the youngster to show more humility and criticized his behavior on social media, a controversial debate ensued. Karl’s agent, Michael Ballack, and sporting director Max Eberl also weighed in.
Didi Hamann has now taken a particularly strong stance. Speaking on Sky, the former Bayern pro criticizednot only the public statements made by club officials but also the way the 18-year-old has been handled on the field. For Hamann, the discussion comes at the worst possible time.
Above all, the criticism of Karl’s private behavior rubs the 53-year-old the wrong way. Referring to Karl’s clothing and relationship, Hamann made it unmistakably clear: “It’s none of their business what he wears or who he’s dating.” He was referring to the Bayern officials who had recently commented publicly on the young player.
Hamann lashes out at Hoeneß and Eberl
In the Sky expert’s view, FC Bayern should have addressed any potential points of criticism internally. Hamann referred to recent statements by Max Eberl, who had spoken out against public disputes. “Max Eberl said yesterday: ‘You don’t do that in public. But Bayern started it,” Hamann railed.
He also pointed out that Karl is only 18 years old and is still struggling to regain his form after an injury. The fact that the youngster is now dealing with inconsistent performances following his strong breakthrough is a completely normal part of his development.
However, Hamann also holds the coaching staff responsible. In his opinion, Karl isn’t currently getting enough opportunities to find his rhythm again. “I mean, how is he supposed to get into a rhythm or get into shape if they don’t let him play?” asked the former national team player.
“You almost get the feeling that they’re out to get the kid.”
Hamann was particularly baffled by the lineup decisions in the most recent Bundesliga derby against Borussia Dortmund. Despite the injury-related absences of Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry, Karl was initially left out of the lineup.
Hamann would have expected Munich to bring their offensive talent into the game sooner. Instead, Josip Stanisic was given the nod. The Sky expert then made a striking accusation: “I mean, you almost get the feeling that they’re out to get the kid.”
When asked, Hamann did not fundamentally retract his statement but reaffirmed his criticism of the decision: “And bringing in Stanisic before Karl—I think very few people understood that.”
For Hamann, it’s clear that FC Bayern will have to rely more heavily on Karl in the coming weeks due to the current injury woes. This makes it all the more important to give the offensive player confidence and playing time, rather than putting him under public pressure.