Pavlovich: I have admired Ronaldo since I was a child, and his professionalism has shaped me

Hupu November 13 News As the main player of Bayern Munich and the German national team, Alexander Pavlovic’s career started smoothly. "Focus Online" and "ran" conducted an exclusive interview with the 21-year-old young player.

You are only 21 years old and have just started your second full professional season, but from an outside perspective, it seems that you have been active for a long time. Do you feel this way?

Pavlovich: To some extent. But on the other hand, there are many possibilities for my future. I'm just feeling comfortable now and enjoying playing football.

Almost two years ago, on October 8, 2023, you made your first team debut for Bayern - coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute of an 8-0 victory over Darmstadt. Do you remember that moment?

Pavlovich: When my name was called on the bench...that was an unforgettable moment! I was very happy and it meant a lot to me.

A lot has happened since then, right?

Pavlovich: (laughing) Yeah, too many - all good things!

Not long after you became a professional player, you were selected for the national team. There is now debate over whether players like Cologne's Said El Marra or Bayern's Lennart Karl were called up too early. Based on your experience, what are the benefits for young players to be selected for the national team?

Pavlovich: It helps to experience this atmosphere early - to feel the rhythm of the national team and see if you can keep up. This can accumulate valuable experience. But in the end, it still depends on the coach's decision as to who is selected. Are there any disadvantages to

? Do you think it's too early?

Pavlovich: Not for me. I think everyone will be happy to be selected, which is definitely beneficial to me.

How do you personally deal with the pressure of fame and expectations?

Pavlovich: Fortunately, I have never been the kind of person who gets stressed easily. I am even more fortunate that I have the opportunity to show my strength, and the pressure does not affect me.

Next summer's World Cup is getting closer - time is running out, and the remaining games are limited. Do you think about this a lot now?

Pavlovich: Currently we are only focusing on these two important qualifiers, which are crucial for World Cup qualification! When these competitions are over, I hope to advance smoothly and then progress step by step.

Despite the fast pace of football, you look extremely calm on the field, especially when in possession of the ball. Why can you maintain such a calm style?

Pavlovich: I have always been calm when I have the ball - which helps to stabilize the rhythm of the game. I feel like this style will never change.

When would you lose your cool?

Pavlovich: This is a difficult problem! I can’t think of a specific situation at the moment – ​​maybe it’s just when someone really messes with me or makes rude remarks (laughs).

Who in the team is most likely to annoy you?

Pavlovich: Fortunately, this rarely happens (laughs) – most of the time it’s just a joke.

Can you completely detach yourself from football?

Pavlovich: Football will always be there in some way, but I do occasionally relax with my family and friends - which is also very pleasant.

In the Bayern youth academy, you are now seen as a role model for many young players who aspire to break into the first team - something that few could achieve before. Does this make you proud?

Pavlovich: Very, very proud. It's recognition when young players look up to you. I used to look up to professional players, but now I know that I can inspire others. This feeling is very special.

Do you still maintain close contact with the youth academy and young players?

Pavlovich: I will try my best to go to their games and cheer for them. When some young people come to train with us, I'm happy to give them advice. I know how important this kind of help is, after all, I have been here too.

There is a very famous photo: you were a caddy, celebrating with Franck Ribery on the court. From ball boy to mainstay at Germany's biggest club - it's a Hollywood story, right?

Pavlovich: Yes, it’s like something out of a fairy tale. Nothing could ever be better - that's how I feel right now.

Bayern is now gaining momentum, and your personal performance is also outstanding. Especially in important games like PSG or Dortmund, where you play the full 90 minutes. What's behind your current good form?

Pavlovich: I am in good physical condition now, and I am very happy playing with my teammates - whether it is at Bayern or the national team. I'm just trying to contribute to the team's success, and so far it's working out great!

Sixteen consecutive wins - a European record. Is this discussed much within the team?

Pavlovich: Of course we all know this record, but it is not the point. We never want to lose or draw, winning is the key - our desire to win has never diminished. It's a shame the winning streak is over, but that's football.

Is this the first crisis?

Pavlovich: (laughing) Of course not. We wanted to win, but that's past it - next game, try to get three more points.

What is the secret to the team’s success? What lessons does this have for the national team?

Pavlovich: It’s team spirit and cohesion. Playing offense and defense together, giving your best to each other - that's the key.

Before the start of the season, critics said that Bayern's lineup lacked depth. Is this an advantage now?

Pavlovich: Definitely. Jamal (Mushaala), Alfonso (Davis) and Ito (Yuki) are still recovering from injuries, but the team is still performing well. It's great to see the team functioning no matter who's playing.. When those guys return from injury, we will become stronger!

How difficult will it be for them to regain their main position?

Pavlovich: They can definitely do it - I have no doubt about it. I'm happy to have them back.

Do you miss Musialla playing football in front of you?

Pavlovich: I miss you so much! Especially when it comes to passing the ball to him - he's so important to us.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer recently said that Vincent Kompany is expected to create an era at Bayern like Pep Guardiola or Jupp Heynckes. Such a high rating - what is so special about Kompany?

Pavlovich: Whether it is training or playing, he is always full of energy and ambition. He gave us a lot of positive guidance and the training content was of high quality. It's fun to play under him.

Are Kompany and Julian Nagelsmann comparable? What's the biggest difference?

Pavlovich: They are all very good coaches. Coaching Bayern or the national team is a huge challenge - it's not easy and comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure. But you will never see these negative emotions from them. Julian has always been like this - knows what he wants and what he expects from us. I'm glad he's so open again now.

You started in the last two games of the national team and played almost the full 90 minutes. Do you already see yourself as a main player?

Pavlovich: By definition, maybe you can say that - but in reality, I just give it my all, game by game, training by training. Every moment is an opportunity, so the coach can choose me to start without hesitation.

Last season you often missed time due to illness or minor injuries. Does it bother you to be labeled as having a “vulnerable constitution”?

Pavlovich: I've never been really injury-prone - I've never had a muscle strain or anything like that. Previous injuries were all uncontrollable accidents: a broken collarbone caused by being pushed, and an eye socket injury caused by being hit by an elbow. This is football. But I’m in good health now – and I hope it stays that way!

You used to be the shortest player among your peers. You once said: "I came to puberty late and was very weak. Others had already grown beards, but I was only 1.2 meters tall!" Will this experience help you in the long run?

Pavlovich: Definitely. It was a difficult time - I didn't play much in the U15s and was always the shortest and weakest. But I learned to deal with the situation and persevere. I trained hard and eventually caught up.

Is physical training still your focus now?

Pavlovich: Of course. Bayern has a great fitness coach and training program - strength, flexibility and physiotherapy are all very professional. I'm in good shape now.

About 4,000 fans came to watch training yesterday - mostly children, shouting your name. How do you cope with life after fame?

Pavlovich: I think it's great - especially when the kids call us by our names. It was the same when I was a kid. But we are not just football players, we are human beings. This is often overlooked. I was raised to be humble. There’s nothing special about me—the word “famous” doesn’t apply to me.

You yourself have said that athletes are often only seen as practitioners in the sports field. How do you want people to view you as a human being?

Pavlovich: Treat me like a normal person. A cool, funny, and always friendly guy.

Do you follow any specific values ​​or life principles?

Pavlovich: Always be friendly and say hello to people you see. These are basic etiquette—everyone should do them.

Who has had the greatest influence on you, in football or in life?

Pavlovich: My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. I have admired him since I was a child. His work attitude and "never give up" spirit really shaped me. He achieved everything possible with this attitude.

But Ronaldo’s character is a bit different - very confident, some may say a bit arrogant. Is this a character you would want to emulate?

Pavlovich: No, that's not me. I don't need that kind of attention. I just want to show what I can do on the court.

There are two key games left in the World Cup qualifiers. After the defeat in Bratislava, there were concerns that Germany might miss out on the World Cup. Do you feel this panic within the team?

Pavlovich: We lost that game and our performance was really not good enough - there is no excuse. But we know what we can do, what we need to improve on, and where our potential lies. We have shown improvement and I believe that in these last few games we will give it our all and put all doubts to rest.

Recent match results have dampened public enthusiasm for the World Cup. Some people don't believe the team can win the championship. Can you understand this view?

Pavlovich: There is still a lot of time. If everyone works together, anything is possible. It helps if fans and players alike stay positive.

How is the atmosphere in the team?

Pavlovich: Very good!

What are your personal goals for next year?

Pavlovich: Become the absolute main force for Bayern and the national team. And I have said before that my goal is to become the best defensive midfielder in the world.

If you had to choose - win the Champions League with Bayern or win the World Cup with Germany?

Pavlovich: I want both!

This doesn’t count.

Pavlovich: This is too difficult to choose... (Thinking)

If you choose the World Cup winner, Bayern fans may not be too sad.

Pavlovich: Indeed, but celebrating two championships is better than one! So I still insist on having both (laughs).