Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is not worried over Lennart Karl’s lack of form and believes he will bounce back soon enough.
The 18-year-old has found regular first-team opportunities harder to secure after an impressive breakthrough season, starting on the bench for Bayern’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal on Wednesdaay despite Michael Olise’s suspension.
Kompany acknowledged that Karl has yet to reach the level he produced last season but remains confident the forward will regain his rhythm and confidence.
“The rhythm and performances will come. He’s not performing at the level he had last season, but that’s also okay,” Kompany said.
“He knows that it happens, he knows we’re patient with him. At some point his moment will come and he will show us the Lennart Karl that we all know.”
Karl made a strong impression during his breakthrough campaign last season, showcasing his technical ability, direct attacking style and eye for goal. However, a serious muscle injury sustained in June disrupted his progress and ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The forward spent around 12 weeks on the sidelines before returning to action towards the end of August. He has since been working to recover his match sharpness and regain the form that made him one of Bayern’s most exciting young prospects.
Kompany believes Karl’s injury problems have contributed to his current situation and urged patience as the youngster continues his recovery.
“He’s still young, he had a few injuries. It will come, I’m not worried,” the Bayern coach added.
Competition for attacking places has also made Karl’s task more difficult. Bayern have several established options, including Olise, Luis Diaz, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala, while new arrival Ismail Saibari has added further depth to the squad.
Olise’s absence against Arsenal therefore did not guarantee Karl a starting place, highlighting the challenge facing the teenager as he attempts to work his way back into Kompany’s plans.
Bayern will return to Bundesliga action on Sunday when they face SC Freiburg at the Europa-Park Stadion.
