Disrespectful behaviour? Kompany has words with Karl | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is currently thrilling all of football Germany – but not everything the 17-year-old shows on the field is well-received by his coach. Vincent Kompany confronted the Bayern gem after the 3-0 victory in Gladbach – due to a scene that is causing a stir.

The young offensive player scored his second consecutive goal for Bayern in Mönchengladbach, crowning his dream week following the Champions League goal against Bruges. However, in the final phase of the game, there was apparently a provocative scene that displeased his coach.

As Ewald Lienen reports in the podcast “Der Sechzehner”, Karl's behavior caused discontent among the Gladbach professionals. “Karl must have done something disrespectful towards Mönchengladbach,” explained Lienen. His son Joscha Lienen, who was working as a cameraman at the game, witnessed the situation live.

“He apparently showed multiple step-overs, in a phase where the game was long decided,” Lienen described. “The coach must have grabbed him afterward and given him a talking-to.”

Kompany warns Karl: “Don’t provoke unnecessarily”

Photo: IMAGO/Orange Pictures

The tz confirms the incident: Kompany addressed his protégé directly after the final whistle. Although the conversation remained internal and calm, the message was clear. The Belgian made it clear to Karl that he should refrain from unnecessary provocations in such situations, as such actions could easily irritate opponents.

Kompany wanted to set an example with this. The coach is known as a meticulous educator who protects young players but also guides them.

In Munich, according to Lienen, it is already heard that Karl brings a strong self-confidence – some even speak of a “tendency towards arrogance.” But this very trait is often part of the package with exceptional talents.

“Kompany is exactly the right person for him”

Ewald Lienen, a legendary coach himself, sees Kompany’s reaction as a positive signal: “Someone like Vincent Kompany says exactly the right thing and is in the right place. This is how you lead young players without belittling them.”

The club also continues to view the 17-year-old’s development positively. Karl is considered focused, ambitious, and eager to learn – a player who tests boundaries but is open to criticism.

With his footballing class and self-confidence, Karl has quickly become a fan favorite. That Kompany is introducing him to professional responsibility early shows: FC Bayern sees far more in him than just a short-term phenomenon.

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