Eberl Calls Lennart Karl's Slump 'Completely Normal' as Bayern Close Ranks Around Teenager
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has leapt to the defence of Lennart Karl, describing the teenager's dip in form as a "completely normal process" just a day after honorary president Uli Hoeneß publicly questioned the youngster's attitude.
Speaking at Bayern's press conference on Saturday morning, Eberl offered a measured rebuttal to the criticism, framing Karl's struggles as an inevitable part of a young player's development.
"What's happening with Lenny is a completely normal process for a young player," Eberl said. "There's no career without problems, even for the biggest superstars. Everyone, and perhaps Lenny himself, expected things to continue as they did last season.
"That's perfectly normal. We're supporting him and are convinced he'll reach that level again. But he had the injury, he missed the World Cup.
"And that naturally has an impact on a player. But as I said, for us it's a completely normal process."
Hoeneß had demanded 'humility'
Eberl's comments come after Hoeneß, the German record champions' honorary president, said Karl "needs to learn humility" following a poor start to the campaign. In earlier reporting on October 24, Hoeneß indicated he planned a serious conversation with the 18-year-old, warning against inflated expectations and comparisons with Michael Olise, and stressing the need for the youngster to keep his feet on the ground.
The criticism followed reports of frustration within the club over Karl's social media activity. Head coach Vincent Kompany has continued to publicly back the teenager throughout the episode.
A season of limited returns
The numbers help explain the scrutiny. Per a FotMob player snapshot fetched on October 23, 2026, Karl had registered one goal and no assists in five Bundesliga appearances during the 2026-27 season.
Eberl's response signals that Bayern's sporting leadership is prioritising patience and support over public pressure as the club manages the expectations surrounding one of its brightest young prospects.