“The kid is ready”: Klopp raves about Bayern star Lennart Karl | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is one of the most exciting names on Jürgen Klopp’s first DFB roster. The national team coach has named the 18-year-old Bayern talent to the squad and made it clear at the press conference just how highly he regards the youngster.

Karl was already in the spotlight before the World Cup. Shortly before the tournament, however, the attacking player was sidelined by an injury and consequently missed the World Cup. For Klopp, the setback came at a particularly bitter time back then.

Now Karl is getting his chance under the new national team coach. It was more than clear from Klopp’s comments that he is convinced of the Bayern youngster’s qualities.

“When I saw Lennart play live for the first time and shook his hand, I realized: This kid is ready. He’s a real powerhouse and very self-assured, with a very pleasant demeanor. He’s also a bit cheeky, which I like. He had some outstanding moments before his injury. It was a really bad time for the injury.”

Klopp likes Karl’s self-confidence

It wasn’t just the Bayern prospect’s soccer skills that impressed Klopp. The 58-year-old particularly highlights Karl’s demeanor. Self-confidence and a certain “cheeky” manner are qualities that the new national team coach clearly appreciates.

Even before his injury, Karl had made a name for himself with strong performances at FC Bayern. His development had progressed so far that he had reason to hope for a spot at the World Cup.

However, the injury shortly before the tournament halted the youngster’s progress at the worst possible moment. Klopp has clearly not forgotten his performances from that period. His comment about Karl’s “outstanding moments” shows that the national team coach has been closely following the Munich native’s development for quite some time.

Now the 18-year-old has the opportunity to confirm the impression he made back then during national team training.

Karl is getting his next big chance

Photo: IMAGO

For Karl, this call-up is the next major step in his still-young career. At FC Bayern, he has already earned a spot on the professional roster despite stiff competition. Now he has the chance to showcase his talents at the DFB level as well.

Klopp seems particularly impressed by Karl’s combination of physical attributes, soccer skills, and personality. The fact that he describes Karl as a “powerhouse” and explicitly praises his confident demeanor underscores this positive impression.

Of course, the nomination is no guarantee of a major role on the national team. However, Karl will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities directly to Klopp and his coaching staff over an extended period.

Following the bitter World Cup exit, this is the next big opportunity for the Bayern gem. And his first impression on the national team coach apparently couldn’t have been much better: “The kid is ready.”