Max Eberl responded after Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund to Michael Ballack's criticism over Bayern's handling of Lennart Karl. Karl came on shortly before the end against Borussia Dortmund and his shot struck the crossbar.
Eberl's response after the match
Speaking to Sky after the big match against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich board member for sport Eberl said: "Honestly, I find it difficult when a dispute is conducted through the media."
He added: "We knew there could be a dip in his development at some point. And that's all we said. You can see things are improving again and he's on the right track. I'm impressed by how this young man puts it to one side. That's what I said on behalf of Bayern Munich."
Eberl also said: "So I didn't quite understand what he said as an adviser or a pundit."
He added: "I don't know whether he said that as a DAZN pundit or as the player's adviser."
Ballack's defence of Karl
Ballack defended Karl against criticism from Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß. GOAL reported that Ballack represents Karl through his agency, Lucky 13, and GOAL reported that he also works as a pundit for DAZN.
Ballack said: "Lennart is 18 years old. Where were you at 18? Just as he is trying things out on the pitch, he is doing so off it."
He also said: "Social media is a major factor today, and not just for the younger generation. Everyone is free to present themselves as they wish. Of course, you don't get everything right when you do that. Unfortunately, people are bound to pass judgement."
Ballack added: "The fact that Max Eberl is now saying Lennart went through a dip in form, embellished with missteps, when his performances are clearly improving again, is hard to understand in terms of timing and at the very least deserves to be questioned in terms of substance."
Hoeneß comments and Bild report
Hoeneß recently criticised Karl again for his sometimes extravagant public image. He said: "Young players need humility and pressure. Comparisons with Olise are obviously not doing him any good; they are still worlds apart. For example, I don't know whether it does Lennart Karl any good if people always just put an arm around him."
According to a report by Bild, several Bayern officials are said to be troubled by Karl's "glamour lifestyle", as the tabloid puts it, and want the 18-year-old to be more down-to-earth.
Karl's season numbers
Karl has one goal and two assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
