Nagelsmann on Karl’s possible World Cup nomination: „Still too early“

In partnership with

FCBinside.de

·10 November 2025

Nagelsmann on Karl’s possible World Cup nomination: „Still too early“

Lennart Karl has already been named by many as a candidate for the German World Cup squad, but national coach Julian Nagelsmann is putting the brakes on.

Lennart Karl has been inspiring FC Bayern for weeks with his courageous performances and spectacular goals. The youngster has already been named by many as a candidate for the German World Cup squad. Now national coach Julian Nagelsmann has commented on a possible nomination of the 17-year-old in the summer at the DFB press conference.

OneFootball Videos

„In general, I’ve always said that I’m not a fan of hyping young players to an extreme early stage,“ Nagelsmann said of the Bayern super talent: „For me, it’s about having transparent communication with the players.“

The national coach made it clear that both Karl and Cologne’s super talent Said El Mala have interesting prospects – but still need time. „There’s Said El Mala, Lennart Karl and other interesting young players. Both have different profiles. We don’t have many classic wingers who feel comfortable with the ball at their feet and move inside. Lennart does that well at Bayern in the playing time he gets.“

El Mala from 1. FC Köln was nominated by Nagelsmann for the international matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia, while Karl was called up to the U21 squad for the first time.

Nagelsmann curbs euphoria about Karl

An imminent call-up for the senior national team does not seem to be an issue for Nagelsmann at the moment. „First he has to go through the U21s and prove himself there. He can play an important role there. At the moment he needs to get more playing time in the Bundesliga, it’s still too early,“ he said.

photo: IMAGO

The national coach is thus putting the brakes on the growing euphoria surrounding the Munich shooting star, who has already caused a stir on several occasions this season. Karl himself had recently stressed that he felt no pressure and simply wanted to carry on. The DFB also seems to want to accompany his path with calm and foresight.