Bayern Munich interim head coach Aaron Danks defended Lennart Karl and discussed his development at a press conference on Friday. Vincent Kompany was ill, and Danks stood in for him.
Danks addresses Karl's situation
Danks said at a press conference on Friday, "I have been a coach for a long time and have spent most of that time working with young players."
Danks said: "What Lenny is going through right now is completely normal. Everyone expects and hopes that the path will lead straight to the top. But in reality it is like a rollercoaster: there are highs and lows, fluctuations in performance, moments of great confidence and moments of little confidence. We believe in him, stand behind him and encourage him to work hard."
Season form and recent improvement
Karl is 18 years old and a right winger. Since his rapid breakthrough last autumn, his development has stalled.
Various injury problems held Karl back in the second half of the season, and he ultimately missed the World Cup. He disappointed at the start of this season, but has recently shown signs of improvement and started twice in succession.
In Wednesday's 6-1 win against 1. FC Magdeburg, Karl set up the 4-1 goal. Danks said: "In the last two games, he has shown some really positive signs. He has worked hard, carried out his defensive duties for the team very well and shown moments of real quality."
Karl has played 443 minutes across 11 appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Criticism from club bosses
Several club bosses have recently criticised Karl, particularly over his behaviour off the pitch and on social media. Honorary president Uli Hoeneß announced that he would have a "serious conversation" with Karl.
Sporting director Max Eberl spoke of "one or two missteps" after the Magdeburg game and said: "Lenny has to show on the pitch that he is coming out of this slump."
Dortmund match outlook
GOAL reported that Karl is likely to come on only as a substitute in Bayern's Bundesliga top match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
