Lennart Karl is currently facing the first serious crisis of his still-young career at FC Bayern. The 18-year-old has lost his starting spot and has been struggling to find his best form for weeks. As has now been revealed, there are not only athletic doubts about the young offensive talent at Säbener Straße. His public image is also apparently causing internal discussions.

In the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Karl initially had to take a seat on the bench. It was a surprising decision by Vincent Kompany, especially since Michael Olise—the very player whose position the youngster could normally fill—was missing.

On the BILD podcast “Bayern Insider,” BILD’s head of soccer, Christian Falk, and reporter Heiko Niedderer discussed the German international’s difficult situation. Both have observed a significant drop in performance since Karl’s muscle tear shortly before the World Cup.

Karl Loses His Spot in Kompany’s Offensive Lineup

Niedderer emphasized that Karl no longer exudes the carefree confidence that set him apart last season. What’s particularly bitter, he noted, is that Kompany initially relied on other players even when several attacking stars were sidelined. “Well, you just realize then that you’re not where you used to be in the pecking order,” explains the BILD reporter.

His injury and the missed World Cup could still be playing a role here. Niedderer suspects that Karl is still struggling mentally with the aftermath of this setback.

The journalist sees the fact that the 18-year-old was only used as a substitute against Arsenal as a clear indication of his current standing within the team.

Bayern bosses are bothered by Karl’s public image

In addition to the on-field issues, there now appears to be a need for discussion behind the scenes as well. “Well, from what we’ve heard, some executives at Bayern are bothered by his public image,” Falk reports.

Among other things, this concerns Karl’s public demeanor and his presence off the soccer field. According to information from the BILD journalist, some officials would like the youngster to focus more strongly on his athletic development again.

Tom Bischof is apparently cited internally as a role model. “Internally, the word is that Karl should take a cue from Bischof’s tenacity and determination,” says Falk.

This marks the beginning of an important phase in Karl’s development. Kompany has continued to publicly back the youngster and has promised patience. However, to regain his former standing, Karl must once again prove himself on the field as soon as possible.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/23/bayern-bosse-schlagen-alarm-lennart-karl-geraet-zunehmend-in-die-kritik/.