Between Zirkzee and Musiala: Bayern’s Karl put to the reality test | OneFootball

A teenager is causing a sensation at FC Bayern. After his two dream goals against Brugge and Gladbach, Lennart Karl is the talk of the town in Munich – and is bringing back memories of previous hypes.

The 17-year-old first scored in the 4-0 Champions League victory against Club Brugge and then, just a few days later, netted the final goal in the 3-0 win in Gladbach in spectacular fashion. Two almost identical wonder goals – technically strong, finished with confidence, a testament to his special feel for the game.

On Sky, coach Vincent Kompany praised the youngster after the Gladbach match, but also urged calm: “Momentum isn’t just for the squad, but also for individual players. The fact that he’s now scored these two goals is very good for his confidence. But you can’t build a career on confidence alone.” The Belgian wants to protect the teenager deliberately, a balancing act between excitement and keeping his feet on the ground.

The attacking player is also highly valued within the team. Joshua Kimmich raved after the match against the Foals: “He comes onto the pitch and just has this courage and dares to do so much. (…) I hope he enjoys this phase at the start of his career. There’s no pressure or expectations yet.” A statement that shows: the experienced leaders know how dangerous too much hype too early can be.

Lessons from Previous Hypes

Photo: IMAGO/kolbert-press | Photo: IMAGO/kolbert-press,

Because stories like Lennart Karl’s have happened many times before in Munich. Joshua Zirkzee was once the shooting star under Hansi Flick, scoring in quick succession and seen as a future top striker – until, after detours via Parma and Anderlecht, he finally made his breakthrough at FC Bologna. Jamal Musiala, on the other hand, seized his chance and became a world-class player. Fiete Arp, Malik Tillman, and Paul Wanner were also considered great hopes, but they could not fulfill expectations in the long run.

Karl now walks this fine line between promise and fulfillment. Lothar Matthäus advises patience in an interview with RTL/ntv: “First, Lennart Karl should be built up continuously and get regular appearances for FC Bayern. (…) It’s too early to talk about the national team.” With this, the record international expresses what many in the club think – talent alone is not enough, consistency is what counts.

Coach Vincent Kompany is therefore following a clear plan. “When the hype comes, the key is to just keep going. And when criticism comes, you do the same,” he explained after the Brugge win. This principle is meant to prevent the 17-year-old from getting caught up in the media whirlwind too soon. A fate that has derailed other talents in the past.

Captain Manuel Neuer also cautioned after the match in Brugge: “He still has a way to go, but I believe, fundamentally, the future is open to him. (…) I think he shouldn’t be thinking about that now, but rather about his football.”

One thing is certain: Lennart Karl has everything it takes to establish himself in Munich in the long term: technique, courage, and creativity. But whether he follows the path of a Musiala or a Zirkzee remains to be seen. FC Bayern has learned its lessons – and knows: between hype and reality, sometimes it’s just a few games.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.