„Hopefully it works out“: Karl comments on his World Cup hopes | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is playing his way more and more into the spotlight – even beyond the borders of Munich. Now the youngster himself has commented on a possible World Cup ticket.

In the match against SC Freiburg, the 17-year-old showed once again why many already see him as a candidate for the senior national team. After the 6-2 victory, Karl spoke about his World Cup ambitions – and was modest but also determined.

„I’m not focused on that at all. I’ll just try to perform as well as I can and then we’ll see what Julian [Nagelsmann] does with me. I’ll just try to give it my all here. Hopefully it works out, but if not, I’ll just have to keep going,“ he explained.

Karl’s strong performance was overshadowed by a scene in the second half: after a tackle, the attacking player had to be substituted with a knock. The first impression suggested worse, but after the game the U21 international himself gave the all-clear: „I took a knock in training yesterday, but everything is fine.“

Karl had shone again on the pitch beforehand, scoring the goal to make it 1-2 and assisting the equalizer to turn the game around – and making history: never before had a Bayern player of his age scored and assisted at the same time in a Bundesliga match. Until his substitution, he caused havoc in Freiburg’s defence with his pace, dribbling and bold attacking play.

Hoeneß and Hainer urge calm

photo: IMAGO/Kirchner-Media

Uli Hoeneß and Herbert Hainer had previously commented on the discussion about a possible nomination for the senior national team. Hoeneß said: „That is not our job. But Lennart has played sensationally when he has played.“ However, the 1974 world champion also warned against premature expectations: „You must not forget: He has played three or four Bundesliga games […] And with us it is now the case that if someone plays three Bundesliga games, then he is already being compared to Messi. That is a bit exaggerated.“

Hainer also emphasized: „You have to leave the church in the village! You have to give the young guy time to develop. […] He’s only 17 years old, you have to think about that. In that respect: Give him time.“

Despite all the caution, one thing remains clear: Lennart Karl is well on his way to establishing himself permanently in FC Bayern’s professional squad – and then national coach Julian Nagelsmann is unlikely to be able to pass him by in the summer.