Bayern Munich winger Lennart Karl has become a victim of his success. The standards set by the teenager last season have led to high expectations that are yet to be met. Since returning from injury, Karl has looked rusty, missing the spark that he showed so often last season.

Vincent Kompany, however, has full trust in the youngster to build the tempo and return to form. The Bayern coach took the time after a 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal on Wednesday, in which Karl was a 68th minute substitute, to show encouragement.

“The rhythm and performances will come,” Kompany declared in post-match remarks captured by @iMiaSanMia. “He’s not performing at the level he had last season, but that’s also okay. He knows that it happens, he knows we’re patient with him. At some point his moment will come and he will show us the Lennart Karl that we all know. He’s still young, he had a few injuries.

“It will come — I’m not worried.”

The Champions League has been a specialty of the 18 year-old since arriving on the stage a year ago. Karl has four goals and three assists in 10 appearances in the tournament, including a goal against Arsenal last season. But, as Kompany pointed out, battling through adversity is also an important learning phase.

After tasting a lot of success in his debut season, the teenager is facing an important test of coming back after injury. The support from the club and the senior players will be vital to set in place a good recovery system for the agile attacker.