Ahead of WM test against USA: DFB chief Neuendorf after Karl's exit: Everyone plays for him too

German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf is looking for a defiant response from the national team following the devastating injury to 18-year-old prospect Lennart Karl. Karl, considered an exceptional talent from Bayern Munich, sustained a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh during the team's final training session and has since returned to Germany.

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I believe that the feeling that is developing is that one says: 'Now more than ever.' That is the right reaction, in my opinion.

"I believe that the feeling that is developing is that one says: 'Now more than ever.' That is the right reaction, in my opinion," Neuendorf told RTL ahead of the team's final test match against World Cup co-host USA in Chicago. He acknowledged the significance of Karl's absence, stating, "You can't mourn him for days. It is certainly a loss and also absolutely tragic for the boy himself, in my opinion."

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You can't mourn him for days. It is certainly a loss and also absolutely tragic for the boy himself, in my opinion.

Despite the setback, Neuendorf emphasized the need to look forward. "Everyone plays a bit for him and definitely wants him to be compensated well. We all hope for such a defiant reaction," he added, expressing confidence that the team will rally around their injured teammate. National coach Julian Nagelsmann had previously described Karl's injury as "a big shock" for both the player and the squad.

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Everyone plays a bit for him and definitely wants him to be compensated well. We all hope for such a defiant reaction.

The German team will now face the USA without Karl, with players like Leroy Sané expected to step up. The match serves as a crucial preparation opportunity, and the team's performance will be closely watched to see how they adapt and respond to this significant loss.

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a big shock for the player and the team.