„Deliberate decision“: Eberl explains the Bayern plan with Lennart Karl | OneFootball

In Lennart Karl, FC Bayern has one of the most exciting talents in German soccer in its ranks – and sporting director Max Eberl is now making it clear that there is a clear, long-term plan behind the promotion of the 17-year-old.

In an interview with Sport BILD, Eberl explained why Karl has been able to take on a significant role so quickly this season: „I think his great strength is that he simply doesn’t make a big deal of himself, if I may put it so casually,“ explained the Bayern boss. „He simply wants to play soccer. He has a self-image, a self-confidence, but a healthy one, not an exaggerated one.“

Karl had already earned respect in training thanks to his style: „That’s how he acted in training and in these actions he also gained recognition from the boys.“ Eberl is particularly impressed by the left-footed player’s play: „You can see on the pitch that his teammates are looking for him. He harmonizes with Michael Olise. He harmonizes with Jo Kimmich. He simply has the technical skills and naturally has a gifted left foot.“

Karl contract at Bayern: extension already in place

The youngster only signed a three-year contract in August, which is automatically extended until 2029 on 22 February 2026 – Karl’s 18th birthday. The contract was negotiated with Karl’s advisor Michael Ballack, who has been looking after the teenager for around a year.

Eberl describes how closely the club and management worked together: „We spoke to Michael Ballack and thought about how we could make the contract work. The main aim was to focus on all the different facets.“

photo: IMAGO

The long-term development plan for Karl also emerged from these discussions. Eberl, sporting director Christoph Freund and coach Vincent Kompany had already decided around the Club World Cup in the summer that Karl should be developed in a targeted manner. The 17-year-old was deliberately planned as a backup for Michael Olise. FC Bayern therefore refrained from signing another top star for this position.

„That was really a conscious decision, where we said: We want to have a smaller attack,“ confirmed Eberl. „Above all, we wanted to focus on three players: Wisdom Mike, Cassiano Kiala and Lennart. That’s how he got his minutes and of course he used them impressively. He has this cheekiness and this carefree attitude on the pitch.“