„Conceited“ and „very arrogant“: Basler takes aim at Bayern youngster Karl | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is back at FC Bayern after his long injury layoff. Mario Basler, however, is highly critical of the 18-year-old and even suggests a loan move.

Lennart Karl has fought his way back onto the field after tearing a muscle. The 18-year-old missed the World Cup this summer but is now available to Vincent Kompany again. After brief appearances against VfB Stuttgart and in the DFB Cup against VfL Osnabrück, the Bayern prospect even started in the 0-0 draw at Schalke.

Former FCB star Mario Basler is now voicing strong criticism of his performances. The former Bayern pro took aim at the youngster on his podcast “Basler ballert” and took particular issue with his conduct during the Cup match in Osnabrück.

“I think he plays with a bit of an air of superiority. He gave me the impression that he’s very arrogant on the field—especially against a second-division team,” said Basler.

Even Karl’s subsequent start in the starting lineup at Schalke did nothing to change the 57-year-old’s assessment. Kompany kept the offensive talent on the field for 57 minutes before bringing Jamal Musiala into the game to replace him.

Basler even brought up the possibility of a loan deal for Karl

“He didn’t play well in either of those two games,” Basler concluded. The former national team player isn’t willing to accept the long injury layoff as an excuse. Karl completed preseason training and is now fit enough again.

Yet the youngster had made his definitive breakthrough with Bayern last season. Karl appeared in 40 competitive matches and was involved in 17 goals. His development even earned him a spot on the German national team. The 18-year-old has also recently received international recognition: Karl was nominated for the “Men’s Young Talent” award at the Ballon d’Or.

Nevertheless, Basler takes a critical view of the attacking player’s short-term prospects at FC Bayern. Above all, the high-profile competition could limit Karl’s playing time. Michael Olise and Luis Díaz are the established starters on the attacking wings, and with the return of other injured players, Kompany now has significantly more options at his disposal.

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If Karl is consistently unable to secure enough playing time, Basler therefore even considers a temporary departure a possibility. The youngster might then “have to explore the option of going out on loan at some point.”

This is a rather surprising suggestion given the role Karl already played for FC Bayern last season. The club has high hopes for the 18-year-old and sees him as an integral part of its long-term roster planning.

Basler’s criticism of Karl, however, is nothing new. In the past, the former Bayern pro had already questioned the hype surrounding the young talent and, in particular, described comparisons to Lionel Messi as exaggerated. Now he’s doubling down—and even accuses the Bayern gem of having a cocky and arrogant demeanor on the field.