Bayern Munich beat Atlético Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Lennart Karl and Konrad Laimer scoring. Karl’s goal and celebration became a talking point amid recent comments about the 18-year-old from honorary president Uli Hoeneß and sporting director Max Eberl.
Karl scored in the second half after getting between Atlético defender Robin Le Normand and the ball, then lifting it over goalkeeper Jan Oblak. He ran toward the corner flag, placed his arms behind his back and formed his hands into pistol shapes, aiming toward the Madrid crowd. After celebrating with his teammates, he made another gesture with his fingers.
The celebration could be read as a response to the debate surrounding Karl. Hoeneß had said the teenager was “still a long way from being a superstar” and that young players needed humility, while Eberl had described a dip in Karl’s performance and advised him to focus on football. The discussion intensified after Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund, when former Bayern player Michael Ballack defended Karl and Eberl questioned whether Ballack was speaking as a broadcaster or as the player’s adviser.
After the Atlético match, Bayern figures played down the gestures. Eberl said he had not seen Karl’s celebration, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer indicated he did not want to hear more about the subject. Karl himself made no comment that evening, as Bayern moved to eight points from four Champions League matches and into a position that would provisionally secure direct qualification for the round of 16.
Sources: FAZ.