Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has rejected young talent Lennart Karl’s characterization of Real Madrid as his «dream club,» labeling it a misstep.
Karl debuted for the German champions in August and has already made history as their youngest scorer in both the Champions League and the Bundesliga.
Nonetheless, the academy product stirred up controversy last weekend when he indicated at a fan club gathering that he envisions his future elsewhere.
«FC Bayern is a massive club. It’s a dream to play there. But at some juncture, I certainly want to move to Real Madrid,» Karl stated.
«That is my dream club, but let’s keep that among ourselves.»
Kompany, addressing the media before Sunday’s match against Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena, considers the remarks to be merely a «communication slip.»
«I like to take a step back. Everyone has to weather a storm at times. It’s vital to see the broader picture,» Kompany stated during a news briefing.
«Lennart puts in an immense effort every day. He contributes significantly to the team, even defensively. He performs consistently, including in meetings.
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«He may have made a minor communicative misstep, but he’s focused on what truly matters and had a productive training week.
«He’s done plenty to earn his game time. His talent is evident, and he’s performing well.
«He had a conversation with Christoph [Freund, sporting director] and Max [Eberl, director of sport] and offered an apology, which I appreciate. I’ve tried to be the only one not to discuss it with him!
«If he ever falls short of 100%, then he has an issue with me, but he has been training and playing excellently.»
Sacha Boey, Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich will miss the game against Wolfsburg due to injuries, while Manuel Neuer returns from a hamstring issue.
Neuer’s contract is up at the end of the season, and Bayern will wait until March — when he turns 40 — before addressing his future.
«Manu is back in shape and will take his place in goal,» Kompany confirmed.
«Manu has accomplished an incredible amount for FC Bayern. He’s approaching 40. We’re talking about an exceptionally high level at which he competes, which is quite remarkable. We will discuss it together and then determine a path forward.»
Bayern heads into the Christmas holiday holding a comfortable eight-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga, whereas Wolfsburg finds itself in 14th place.
«Wolfsburg’s strengths are clear — they are potent offensively and pose a goal threat,» Kompany remarked.
«They have netted many goals in recent games. It’s definitely a game filled with risks.»
