“I’ve been involved in 50 per cent of his goals in recent days”: Uli Hoeneß keeps the debate over Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl simmering
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß has defended his warning to 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl.
Speaking on Bayerischer Rundfunk's Sonntags-Stammtisch, Hoeneß said of Karl: "I think I've played a part in 50 per cent of the goals he's scored in recent days, after someone said something about his private life. We also have an obligation to give young players a bit of guidance."
Karl has enjoyed a successful week: he scored the opener in Tuesday evening's 2-0 Champions League win away to Atletico Madrid, then struck again in Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Mainz 05 to make the final score 2-0 for the German record champions.
That followed a debate about Karl's lifestyle and social media activity, which Hoeneß sparked with criticism of the top talent's behaviour, saying, among other things, that there would be "a serious conversation". "I have so much experience, and if a young 18-year-old won't take any more advice from me, then we have to stop," the long-serving FCB manager made clear.
After a muscle tear forced Karl to withdraw from the World Cup and an enforced break followed, he suffered the first dip in form of his career. His form is improving again, and his goal in Madrid was the reward.
His celebration also made headlines. Karl initially celebrated in a huddle of Munich players before making a "blah-blah" gesture with both hands. It was unclear who the gesture was aimed at. Asked whether it might have been directed at him, Hoeneß replied: "I don't know, but it doesn't bother me either." Recalling a similar case in which experienced club chiefs had intervened, the 74-year-old added: "Bastian Schweinsteiger once had black fingernails. Franz Beckenbauer said: 'I'll rip them off him.'"
How many goals has Lennart Karl scored this season?
In 14 competitive appearances for FCB this season, Karl has played the full 90 minutes only once. He has recorded five goal contributions (three goals, two assists).
Next up for him is a trip to join the national team. Germany coach Jürgen Klopp has called up the senior international, who has four caps, for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Serbia (13 November) and the Netherlands (16 November).
