Lennart Karl: ‘I want to establish myself at Bayern’

Lennart Karl joined the FC Bayern Campus three years ago as a promising youth player. Now the 17-year-old has been a regular part of the senior squad after his impressive displays for the club’s U17s and U19s, where he’s scored 32 goals and provided 10 assists in 26 games this season. Talking to fcbayern.com, the forward discusses his first steps with Bayern’s first team, his ambitions, his big goals in his career and why patience has been important for him.

Interview with Lennart Karl

Lennart, you moved to the Campus in 2022 at the age of 14. You were recently in the squad for both Champions League matches against Inter Milan. How does it feel to be part of the first team at such an early age?
“I really enjoy these moments, whether it's training with the senior guys or being in the squad for the games. Of course, I'm also a bit lucky that there are a few more squad places available due to all the injuries, but that doesn't make it any less special. I remember when I moved to the Campus after my stints at Frankfurt and Aschaffenburg and was very homesick in the first few weeks. Being here now means a lot to me.”

You spent a long time warming up on the touchline in a sold-out Allianz Arena in the first leg against Inter. What was going through your mind?
“Obviously I was a bit nervous before the game. I spoke to a lot of friends from my back home on the phone in the hotel, and when I got to the stadium I felt a positive tension. But that faded over time because you're so focused on the game. I obviously would’ve liked to have come on that evening or in the second leg, but I know who is in front of me in my position. Nevertheless, I always want to play and prove myself, whether it's with the first team, the U19s or the U17s. I intend to always give my all in order to continue to develop.”

That attitude seems to be paying off, especially this season. How much has it helped you to take the next step after a difficult year?
“A lot. I developed this attitude last year in particular. To be honest, things didn't go well in my last U16 season. I had fluctuations in my performances and didn't score many goals. I wanted to change that. In preparation for the U17 season, I did additional training, either on my own or with a coach from the Campus. That helped me a lot – mentally and physically. Things have been going really well since then, but I also know that it's just the beginning. I want to keep at it and keep improving my level.”

During that time you also had your exams at school - not an easy double burden.
“It was an exhausting time because I didn't always have my head clear on the pitch. I couldn't fully focus on both at the same time, but it was clear to me that I wanted to see it through. Once I’d done my exams, a blockage was released. Now I'm preparing for my school leaving certificates. Those exams are in 2026.”

You’ve already been able to handle pressure at school. Attention on you is also growing off the pitch. You were proclaimed as “Bayern's hope” on social media at a young age, sometimes with comparisons to Arjen Robben early on. How do you deal with that?
“I'm aware of it, of course, but I don't let it influence me. What counts is what happens on the pitch and not what's posted on some Instagram page. I can compartmentalise it well and block out everything else.”

Karl likes to aim for the far corner:

But some of your 32 goals this season for the U17s and U19s really are reminiscent of Robben, coming in from the left wing and finishing into the far corner. How hard did you work on that?
“I actually practised that specifically at the start of the season. It's since become automatic. I don't even think much about it in the moment. It just feels right. The goals then came naturally.”

What are other strengths in your game?
“I'm very quick over the first few metres, like to go one-on-one and have a good finish. At just under 1.70 metres, I'm not the tallest, but my low centre of gravity helps me to impose myself, especially when dribbling.”

Has your height ever been a disadvantage?
“No, never. I learnt early on to use it to my advantage. Of course, that also means that I have to work harder in physical areas, especially in strength training, so that I can hold my own better in duels.”

Your agent Michael Ballack has also been an important companion in your career so far. How does he support you?
“We are in regular dialogue, whether in person or on the phone. Michael was a world-class player and an absolute professional from whom I can learn a lot. He gives me valuable tips, telling me, for example, that I should stay true to my style of play and be authentic. But he also speaks openly about where I need to improve, for example in my defensive behaviour.”

Do you have a footballing role model?
“Yes, Martin Ødegaard. He's also a left-footer, plays in the playmaker position, has good vision and a good shot. He also caught the eye of a big club [Real Madrid] early on and ultimately developed into a world-class player over several loan spells. He’s shown that patience and mentality are just as important as talent. But I really want to establish myself here at Bayern and one day play for the club in the Champions League.”

Karl could be in the first-team squad for this weekend’s Bundesliga game at Heidenheim as well: