There had been an awful lot of talk around 18-year-old Lennart Karl and his middling form to start the season. There are all sorts of reasons to explain the Bayern Munich player’s slump: having his dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup ripped away from him through a last-minute injury, recovering from that injury all summer, missing all of preseason, and suffering a setback on Germany duty. But at FC Hollywood, such poor form will nonetheless be picked apart and thoroughly dissected. It was
only last week that defender Nathaniel Brown was subbed on ahead of Karl in the team’s clash against Borussia Dortmund, prompting a fresh wave of concern over his long-term future at the club.
How quickly things change in the public perception, eh? Multiple injuries to forwards have forced Karl into the starting lineup, and he grabbed his chance with both hands. After scoring the crucial opener and subsequent winner against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, he did the same by prodding in the second goal of the night against Mainz in the Bundesliga. This came in addition to some bright performances, which temporary head coach Aaron Danks was all too happy to praise.
“We’re really happy,” Danks explained after the match against Mainz (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “He got back-to-back goals now, but we share the goals across the whole team. In the last few games, Harry hasn’t scored, but got 2 assists again today. We’re pleased with Lenny, pleased with his performances. I thought he was really active in the first half. I thought he pressed the opposition really well, and took a good finish. So really happy that he’s got his 2 goals this week. But his all-around game, it’s something that we continue to work on with him, I’m pleased with where he’s at at the moment, pleased with his performances.”
This might sound crazy, but one gets the sneaking suspicion Danks is pleased with Karl’s performances.
Karl will look to take this improved form with him to the German national team. During the last international break, he failed to leave an altogether convincing impression during his early-season slump, but he will join up with Jürgen Klopp and Co. with improved confidence and looking to establish himself in the new manager’s plans.
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