Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund backed Lennart Karl before Saturday's Bundesliga match at FSV Mainz 05. The 18-year-old has also been called up by Germany.
Karl scores against Atlético
Karl scored the opening goal in Bayern Munich's 2-0 win against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
Called up by Germany
Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp called Karl up on Thursday for the Nations League matches.
A difficult start to the season
Karl had struggled at the start of the season after a lengthy injury lay-off and missing out on the World Cup. Uli Hoeneß had called for more humility from Bayern Munich's top talent, and Michael Ballack had pushed back.
Freund on Karl
“He is a different character from other young players. But we want characters, too. He is cheeky, brave – and, as we have often said: he doesn't give a damn, scores goals and does things others don't do. And off the pitch he is a bit different from others, but that's part of it too,” Christoph Freund told Sky ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga match at FSV Mainz 05.
“But the basis is always that he works hard, and we discuss that with Lenny again and again, and he does,” the Bayern Munich sporting director added.
“I'm pleased for Lenny that he is back in the national team. I think he has earned it and has also performed well there,” Freund said.
“Of course, the past few weeks have been unsettled,” the Munich club's sporting director acknowledged on Friday.
