Lennart Karl has had an eventful few weeks at FC Bayern. After his meteoric rise last season, the 18-year-old had to weather a difficult stretch for the first time. In addition to inconsistent performances, public criticism of his on-field conduct also made headlines. However, the talented forward made an impressive comeback with his crucial goal in the 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid. Now, German national team coach Jürgen Klopp has also weighed in.
During the announcement of his new DFB squad, the 59-year-old spoke at length about the Bayern youngster’s development. Klopp made it clear that he continues to think highly of Karl and does not consider his recent difficulties to be overblown.
The former Liverpool coach specifically recalled the injury Karl suffered shortly before last summer’s World Cup. As a result, the attacking player missed the tournament and subsequently had to work his way back to his usual form.
Klopp stands up for Karl
“The kid is a top talent,” Klopp made unmistakably clear in his conversation with the DFB.
At the same time, the national team coach pointed out just how high expectations for the young player had been even before his injury. “When he got injured, all of Germany asked, ‘What now?’—and then he went through some ups and downs,” Klopp explained.
For the 59-year-old, however, this development is anything but unusual. “There’s no player who comes back from an injury and is immediately a cut above where he was before. It takes time to regain your rhythm and confidence, and then to get your feel for the game back.”
In doing so, Klopp demonstratively backed the Bayern talent. He said his recent inconsistent performances should be viewed primarily in light of his injury layoff.
“A super-clever goal”: Klopp raves about Karl’s performance
The German national team coach was particularly impressed by the 18-year-old’s most recent Champions League performance.
In the 2-0 away win against Atlético Madrid, Karl scored the crucial opening goal, once again demonstrating his exceptional skills. “He’s on the right track and just scored a super smart goal in Madrid. I really liked that. He played in the center. That’s important for us, of course, because the kid can show that he’s got it down,” Klopp praised.
The attacking player’s versatility in particular is likely to be of interest to the national team. While Karl often plays on the right wing for FC Bayern, he can also showcase his strengths in central positions.
Klopp sees this as offering additional options for the DFB team’s tactical approach.
At the same time, the national team coach emphasized that the young player’s long-term development takes place primarily at FC Bayern. “He’s one of the players we’d like to work with. That’s not our main task, of course, because that’s the club’s responsibility, but we’d like to support him in his development. We’d also be happy to make whatever contribution we can toward that,” Klopp explained.
Karl had already been part of the expanded squad that the national team coach nominated for his first international matches. In the 0-0 draw against Greece, the youngster also gained further experience wearing the DFB jersey.
Now the 18-year-old is once again on the roster for the upcoming Nations League matches against Serbia and the Netherlands.
After the difficult past few weeks, the national team coach’s support is likely to be especially valuable for Karl. His goal in Madrid showed that he can make a difference even at the highest level.
For Klopp, it’s clear that the Bayern youngster is still far from reaching the peak of his development.