Lennart Karl sees personal improvement when training with Bayern Munich stars

By SABC Sport
1st December 2025

Lennart Karl has insisted that training alongside Bayern Munich's senior stars has accelerated his development, with the 17-year-old thriving as Bayern maintain an impressive early-season run across all competitions.

Karl has scored a total of four goals for the Bayern Munich senior team so far. He has scored two goals in the Bundesliga and teo goals in the UEFA Champions League.

Karl earned widespread praise after Bayern's 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in the Champions League, producing a composed finish that underlined why the club's staff rate him so highly. He has featured regularly across competitions this season and has already shown the maturity to influence games, even when Bayern are under pressure.

Asked how daily sessions with Bayern's established attackers have shaped his progress, Karl highlighted the impact of two key wide players. "I learn a lot from my attacking teammates, especially from watching the movements of Michael Olise and Luis Diaz," he said.

Olise has been one of Bayern's main creators this season, while Diaz's absence against Arsenal was felt as the team struggled for width and penetration.

Karl stressed, however, that copying others is only part of the process. "Of course, you can observe them, but you also have to showcase your own strengths," he said, noting that Bayern expect their young players to step forward rather than hide behind senior figures.

He also credited Vincent Kompany and his staff for giving him clarity and confidence. "Working with a coach like Vincent Kompany naturally makes me better every day," Karl said. The Belgian has promoted several academy prospects since arriving in Munich, and Karl is widely viewed as the standout of that group.

As his role has grown, Karl has become more comfortable in the dressing room. "Within the team, I didn't talk much during the first month or two, but now it's quite normal for me to chat with my teammates off the pitch as well," he said.

With Bayern aiming to stabilise their season, Karl's emergence has been one of their bright spots, and his performances suggest there is far more to come.