Bayern Munich rotate for the DFB-Pokal as youngster Lennart Karl makes his starting XI debut in a trip to SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Manager Vincent Kompany changes six personnel for the first-round clash, signaling a blend of youth opportunity and experienced depth.
Jonas Urbig starts in goal, stepping in for the red-carded Manuel Neuer. The defense is boosted by Sacha Boey, Minjae Kim, Raphael Guerreiro and Aleksandar Pavlovic, all coming into the XI compared with the 6-0 Bundesliga win over RB Leipzig. On the bench are the captains who started against Leipzig: Dayot Upamecano, Leon Goretzka, Josip Stanisic, Konrad Laimer and Serge Gnabry.
Neuer’s absence in the cup recalls last season’s exit against Bayer Leverkusen, when he was dismissed in the first half. Bayern’s first-round lineup is completed by Karl’s debut, underscoring the club’s willingness to give academy prospects a platform in a competition they have rarely bowed out of in the last 30 years; their last first-round exit was in 1994 to Vestenbergsgreuth.
The matchaway to Wehen Wiesbaden, a third-tier side, will be a test for Bayern’s fresh XI and a showcase for Karl’s growing promise within the squad. Bayern’s cup pedigree and the opportunity for youth to shine could offer a positive narrative as the team balances immediate results with long-term development.
Additional notes:
– This setup signals Bayern’s strategic rotation for a demanding season, while still maintaining a spine of established players on the bench to step in if needed.
– Karl’s involvement hints at a continued push to integrate young talents into competitive fixtures, which could accelerate his progression if he seizes the moment.
Positive takeaway:
Karl’s starting appearance in a competitive cup tie embodies Bayern’s faith in nurturing homegrown talent, and a strong performance could be a stepping stone for more opportunities in the season ahead.