Lovro Zvonarek can look back on an eventful start to 2024. The Croatian has been training regularly with Bayern’s first team since January. In an interview with fcbayern.com, the 18-year-old talks about the U19s' upcoming UEFA Youth League round of 16 tie against Feyenoord on Wednesday, his Bundesliga debut against Augsburg and the most valuable jerseys he’s collected so far.
Interview with Lovro Zvonarek
Lovro, you've had an eventful few weeks. At the beginning of the year, you played in the first team's friendly match in Basel (1-1 draw), followed shortly afterwards by your Bundesliga debut in Augsburg (3-2 win). At the beginning of February, you then scored two goals to fire the U19s into the Youth League round of 16 - again in Basel (2-0). An exciting time?
Lovro Zvonarek: “It was a very intense few weeks. I learned a lot and was able to gain a lot of great experience. My Bundesliga debut was my personal highlight. Ever since I moved to Munich, my big goal was to play in the Bundesliga one day. That's the big dream for everyone here at the Campus. Of course, I was all the happier that we won the game in Augsburg in the end.”
When you walked into the dressing room and saw your name on the Bundesliga jersey for the first time, how did that make you feel?
“Special... Just very special. I kept the two jerseys from the friendly in Basel and from the Bundesliga clash in Augsburg. They're now with my family in Croatia. They don't have a permanent place in my home at the moment, but that will change in the future [smiles].”
You've already played for the first team, the reserves and the U19s this season. How difficult is it to adapt to the teams on a weekly basis?
“I'm very happy that I can prove myself in training with the Bundesliga team, but also get my playing time in the Youth League. I look forward to every session and am also very happy with it. I usually know where I'm training a week in advance. That makes it a bit easier for me. I also now have a driving licence, so commuting between the Campus and Säbener Straße works very well.”
You've been training with the senior squad at Säbener Straße constantly since January. How do you benefit from those sessions?
“Every session at this level helps me enormously. Everyone constantly wants to help me improve and gives me tips. I learn every day and can continue to develop.”
Who have you learned a lot from?
“Basically from all the attacking players. But I've also learnt a lot from defensive players like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlović. They all have a very special mentality. Their understanding of the game and their technique are incredibly good. But I was particularly impressed by Harry Kane. His finishing is incredible. He's a great role model on and off the pitch. He always has an open ear for us young players too.”
Looking back at the play-offs in the Youth League, you led the team out as captain in Basel. Does this role suit you?
“Yes, definitely. I already had this role in Croatia and also last year in the Youth League against Inter Milan. It was and still is a great honour for me.”
How do you interpret the captaincy?
“I attach great importance to communicating with my teammates and conveying a positive attitude to the team. This creates a good atmosphere within the team, which is essential for success. I always try to bring these values onto the pitch, regardless of whether I'm wearing the armband or not.”
You’d already been a captain in the Croatian first division at the age of just 16 prior to your move to Munich. To what extent do you benefit from that time today?
“I think I've learned a lot from that time. It was a special situation for me back then, as my teammates were all much older. I was the captain of my team, but my colleagues helped me a lot and shared their experiences. Above all, I learnt that age doesn't play the biggest role on the pitch, only performance counts.”
Bayern's U19s have reached the last 16 of the Youth League for the third time, but have never made it to the quarter-finals. How motivated are you to reach the last eight for the first time?
“We want to make history. It's a big game against a very good opponent. But we dream of making it through to the next round and are determined to win this special game.”
You face Feyenoord in the round of 16 on Wednesday. How do you rate your opponents?
“Feyenoord finished top of the group stage, which speaks volumes for their quality. The Netherlands does very good work with youth players. They have a lot of good academies, whether at PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord or Ajax. And of course I know their coach Robin van Persie from his playing days.”
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