The expectations for young players to perform at a high level is fast becoming more of an expectation rather than a treat to witness. There is no doubt Bayern Munich’s latest prospect off the academy production line, Lennart Karl, is feeling the pressure of that expectation.

Earning his first Bundesliga start in Bayern’s 4-1 victory against Hoffenheim, the academy prospect received mixed reviews for his performance with some expecting more from the 17-year-old attacker despite picking up an assist.

However, just like a big brother steps in to protect his little brother from the bullies, Jonathan Tah has stepped in to protect Karl while also offering a valuable piece of advice.

”He shouldn’t start overthinking or trying to change what has brought him this far,” encouraged Tah in a post match interview with Kicker (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “He’s worked hard, been brave in his actions, and if something went wrong [against Hoffenheim], if he lost the ball, then he shouldn’t let that bring him down. He should keep going as he has in the past few weeks and months, and then he’ll keep getting better.”

Karl has done a fantastic job in the minutes he’s been offered so far this season. Sure, there have been mistakes, but mistakes are the most valuable condition for learning after all. It’s important that Bayern nurture his talent instead of smothering it, a task that will certainly be made easier with the backing of Tah and the other first team players.

Bayern Munich will get some down time…not much, but some.

The Bavarians are not back in action until Friday against Werder Bremen, so a day or two of rest will not be such a bad thing for a squad coming off of an arduous week.

Let’s check in on where things stand with Bayern Munich and some other hot topics as well. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

• A heat check on the position groups.
• Why were so many fans unhappy with a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim?
• People were quick to bury Lennart Karl, and how about that resurgent effort from Kim Min-jae.
• Could this season convince Harry Kane to see out his deal and what would it take for Kane to win the Ballon d’Or?
• An update on the striker market for 2026 — with notes on Kane, Dušan Vlahović, and Erling Haaland.
• A farewell to a legend.

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