Matthäus puts the brakes on Karl hype: „We mustn’t overdo it now“ | OneFootball

Lennart Karl has not only had a good season at FC Bayern, he has also recently shown what he can do for the German national team. Quite a few are already talking him into the starting XI for the World Cup. Lothar Matthäus urges caution

Quick movements, a lot of self-confidence and a tight ball control: Lennart Karl showed exactly the same attributes in the DFB test against Finland (4:0) that also characterized him at FC Bayern. He also contributed an assist for Deniz Undav with an outstanding pass to the top

Karl has drawn attention to himself and seized his chance in attack. There is no doubt about that. Now a starting place at the 2026 World Cup could also be waiting for him

Matthäus with a clear opinion on Karl hype

Julian Nagelsmann, the national coach, recently praised Karl for his qualities. However, the coach also knows that an 18-year-old always needs special treatment. Karl’s carefree attitude and, of course, the enormous class he brings to the table speak in his favour

photo: IMAGO

Nevertheless, you have to be careful when dealing with the player. Lothar Matthäus knows this too. The record international wrote about Karl in his column on Sky and warned against creating too much hype in the run-up to the World Cup

„Just like Deniz Undav, Lennart Karl has come to the fore with his two goals. But we shouldn’t get carried away now. It was a friendly against Finland and not a World Cup match against Ecuador, where things will be different,“ Matthäus explained

He added: „The good thing is that Nagelsmann has a lot of choice. The team has many players with high quality who can be deployed accordingly depending on the opponent.“ This also applies to Karl. When there are more spaces, players like Jamie Leweling, who bring a lot of pace, are an advantage. Karl is more comfortable in tighter spaces. The national coach therefore has a choice.