“Glamour lifestyle”: Lennart Karl reportedly faces criticism within Bayern Munich

According to Bild, Bayern Munich are unhappy with Lennart Karl’s social media presence. The club’s hierarchy want the 18-year-old attacking player to focus more on football.

The report says Karl shows too much of "his glamorous lifestyle and his private life with his influencer girlfriend Zoe Käppele" on social media.

Within the club, the message to Karl is clear: less Instagram, more presence and better performances on the pitch. Bayern Munich officials are said to have pointed him towards a contrasting example in Tom Bischof, who is three years older. Bischof's partner is also extremely active on social media, but he consistently keeps their relationship out of the public eye.

Karl has struggled on the pitch in recent weeks and is still visibly searching for the rhythm he had last season following his muscle bundle tear in the summer. He has registered just two goal involvements from three starts so far.

"I'm not worried": Vincent Kompany backs Lennart Karl

Coach Vincent Kompany backed Karl despite his current dip. "He hasn't really shown the level of performance he did last season, but that's okay too. He knows I also expect that to happen sometimes. He's still young and has had a few physical problems. He'll come back. I'm not worried," said the Belgian.

Next Sunday, Karl could repay that support. After the gruelling 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League, Kompany will probably rotate for the away match against SC Freiburg. Bayern Munich also have big-name absentees in attack: both Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz are unavailable through injury.