Julian Nagelsmann gave a lengthy interview with kicker and the Germany manager spoke in detail about key facets of the squad as this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico edges closer and so to the friendlies set to take place prior to the tournament kicking off. A lot of things can happen between now and the time the former Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim manager has to submit his official roster for the national team, but he had quite a bit to say about where things stand
right now.
Among a long list of topics and different players discussed, Nagelsmann took some time to speak about Bayern’s Lennart Karl; a player that many pundits across Germany have called for Nagelsmann to give a chance in the Germany senior squad. During the beginning phases of the season when Jamal Musiala was still out injured, Karl took the chances given to him by Vincent Kompany by the scruff of the neck, though now that Musiala has been back in the squad, his form has been hot and cold.
“Lennart had a really solid spell. Now he’s struggling a bit – partly because Jamal Musiala is fit again and often gets substitute playing time. That’s perfectly understandable. Nevertheless, he’s obviously a very interesting player, also in terms of his profile, because he often goes into 1v1 situations, he can cut inside from the right to his left foot, because he’s difficult to mark,” Nagelsmann lauded of Bayern’s 18-year-old phenom (via @iMiaSanMia).
So far this season, the youngster has tallied seven goals and four assists from a total of 30 appearances across all competitions, but as Nagelsmann alluded to, it’s the whole profile of his playing style and what he brings to Bayern’s attack that’s most important — not just the numbers. With Musiala back and getting closer to 100% fitness, though, minutes will certainly continue to decrease for Karl, which doesn’t exactly bode incredibly well for his World Cup chances with Germany. There’s still plenty of time for him, though, and his ceiling is exceptionally high.
“I don’t expect him to become a regular starter at Bayern just so he can be at the World Cup. Because he won’t. But he does need to find his rhythm; with young players, it’s a lot about self-confidence. He has to bring that youthful energy and audacity. Otherwise, I might as well bring an experienced player who reliably plays his game,” Nagelsmann rationalized.
For Karl, it might simply come down to a case of there just not being enough room in the Germany squad with the amount of firepower and talent they already possess in attack. There’s only so many plane seats Nagelsmann can fill and if it’s not this summer for Karl, then his first senior squad callup certainly would come at some point shortly after the World Cup, perhaps even in the UEFA Nations League.
