World Cup chance? Nagelsmann keeps Bayern youngster Karl on tenterhooks | OneFootball

The debate about a possible World Cup nomination for Lennart Karl continues to gain momentum – but national coach Julian Nagelsmann, of all people, is holding back so far

According to Sport BILD, there has been no direct contact between Nagelsmann and the 17-year-old FC Bayern attacker, meaning that an invitation to the national team is still pending, despite Karl’s performances making headlines for weeks

The pressure on the national team coach is growing noticeably. Karl has not only established himself at FC Bayern, but is also delivering consistently. With his goal in the 2:2 draw against Mainz, he scored his sixth professional goal and once again confirmed his extraordinary development. Nevertheless, the youngster is still waiting for a signal from the national team coach

Kimmich makes a plea for Bayern colleague Karl

Should Karl confirm his current level of performance, a nomination is probably only a matter of time. Joshua Kimmich shares exactly this assessment and has once again clearly positioned himself. The national team captain had already emphasised after the Champions League game against Sporting Lisbon that a regular FC Bayern player must automatically be a candidate for the DFB team. After the Mainz game, he added: „It’s simply the truth. If someone plays regularly at Bayern and regularly performs well and is German, he belongs in the national team in the long term – if he can confirm this over weeks and months,“ explained Kimmich. He deliberately repeated his earlier World Cup plea and made it clear that nothing has changed in his attitude. For him, Karl has long been more than just a prospect player

photo: IMAGO

The Bayern youngster also has the backing of others, with his advisor and former national team captain Michael Ballack recently emphasizing that Karl is „more than just an option“ for the World Cup and pointing to his maturity, consistency and impact in big games

Even if there has been no call yet, it is certain that the national team coach is taking a close look at Karl.