Aleksandar Pavlović: Reach the semi-finals with the fans behind us

He’s been FC Bayern’s breakthrough player of the season: Aleksandar Pavlović has grown from a young talent to a permanent fixture in the German record champions’ squad in recent months. The Munich native has made 16 first-team appearances since late October, 10 of those from the start. The 19-year-old even earned his first call-up to the German senior national team in March, but had to pull out due to tonsilitis. The midfielder returned to action in FCB’s home match against 1. FC Köln on Saturday. In an interview with fcbayern.com, Pavlović talks about the most intense period of his life, the international call-up and his ambitions.

Interview with Aleksandar Pavlović

Servus Aleks, you’re back after tonsilitis and illness. How are you feeling?
Aleksandar Pavlović: “I’m feeling good! I was really pleased to be back on the pitch against Köln. Now I want to keep working hard.”

After illness it’s about quickly getting back to 100 percent. How do you see your role in the team?
“My aim is always to help the team as much as I can – regardless of position and on or off the pitch. I want to keep giving everything and establishing myself.”

Without the illness, you would’ve been with the German senior national team recently. How did you take in the days between the call from coach Julian Nagelsmann and your withdrawal?
“The moment of the call-up was unbelievable for me. When Mr Nagelsmann contacted me, I felt great pride. We had a good chat – we know each other. I already trained with the first team a few times under him last season. The fact I couldn’t then travel for the internationals was very frustrating for me. I’d already packed my bags and was still hoping I could join up later. Obviously it was tough for me to pull out, but then I focused on quickly getting fit and coming back. Now I’m concentrating on the tasks ahead with Bayern and will keep giving everything to stake my claim for another call-up.”

The call-up was also a reward for your performances in recent months. You’ve been a regular starter since mid-December, scored your first goals and played in the Champions League round of 16. Has this been the most intense period of your life so far?
“Not only the most intense but also the best. I’m enjoying every single moment currently. It’s great fun being on the pitch with these outstanding teammates for my favourite club.”

You only made your debut for the reserves in the Regionalliga about a year ago. Do you sometimes need time to reflect on how quickly it’s all happened?
“It’s hard to realise sometimes. A year ago, I played my first game in men’s football at the Grünwalder Stadion and now I’ve already played 16 games for the first team. I just take it one game at a time, though, and don’t look back at the past that much.”

How much contact do you still have with former teammates and coaches from the academy?
“I try to follow all the reserves’ matches – be it on TV or at the Grünwalder Stadion. I’m still in regular contact with Matteo Perez Vinlöf, for example, and also with Mr Teschke [reserves assistant coach] and the physios. It’s always nice when we bump into each other at Säbener or speak on the phone and have a bit of a laugh.”

Which players did you orientate yourself towards as you moved up to the pros during the course of the season?
“To all of them, really, because everyone in the squad is a world-class footballer. I can still learn a lot mentally and technically at this high level. On the whole, all the lads and coaches have received me very well and helped me a lot.”

How would you describe your style of play and your strengths?
“I prefer playing in central midfield, where I fight for my team and like to set up my teammates. It’s better for others to speak about my strengths, though.”

You play in a relaxed way despite your inexperience at senior level – where does that come from?
“I love football. I still play like I’m on the playground, so I don’t let myself be influenced by outside factors and try to just do my thing on the pitch."

You’ve gone through every youth team at FC Bayern since U8. What’s your advice to young talents at the Campus who have the same ambition as you?
"You can't let yourself get down. Even in difficult times, it's important to keep going, think positively and work hard."

You were voted Player of the Month by the Bayern fans in January and February. What do those accolades mean to you?
“I’m just very grateful that my performances are appreciated by the fans like that. It also increases my ambition to keep improving and hopefully earn this award more times in the future.”

On Wednesday it’s the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal. How are you approaching the match?
“Essentially I want to win every match, and that has to be our target for all the remaining fixtures. Obviously I’m particularly looking forward to the clash with Arsenal. It will be the biggest match I’ve been involved in to date. I sense a good mix of tension and excitement and I’m confident we’ll make it through.”

What’s required to reach the semi-finals on Wednesday?
“We need to show the same passion and energy on the pitch that we did in the first leg. Then, with the qualities we’ve got as a team, we’re capable of beating anyone. The fans at the Allianz Arena could also be a very important factor. With them behind us, we’re determined to reach the semi-finals.”

What are your personal goals for the rest of the season, also with a view to another possible call-up for Germany?
“The feeling of being selected for the national team was amazing. However, my focus is completely on the upcoming tasks with Bayern. I want to help the team as well as possible and produce good performances.”