Interview with Aleksandar Pavlović - Full control

Aleksandar Pavlović has become an indispensable part of the FC Bayern midfield. Alongside Joshua Kimmich, the Munich native has established himself in the centre. Members' magazine ‘51’ spoke to him about his role on the pitch, his role models and his growing responsibility.

Interview with Aleksandar Pavlović

Aleks, how would you describe what kind of player you are in a few words?
"I'm someone who tries to take control of the game and direct what’s happening with composure and vision. When I realise we have everything under control, I want to be creative and show people some good football."

What does game control mean to you?
"It's a combination of many factors. Controlling the game means having the ball and being dominant. It also means setting the rhythm: when things need to calm down, ease off the pace; when things need to move quickly, get the ball straight up the park. It's about finding the right balance."

How do you realise you're in control during the game?
"I want to play my game, no matter who the opponents are. I always want to have the ball and set up my teammates well, preferably with a forward pass. Sometimes that doesn't work because the opponents close down the space well, then you have to find another solution."

How important are the first touches in a game for your confidence?
"A good start always gives you confidence. But even if the first touches don't come off, it doesn't put me off my stride. I continue to play unperturbed and demand the ball just as I did before. No matter who's in front of me, how tight things are on the pitch or how much pressure there is: I have no fear. I've had this ability since I was a child and it's getting stronger every year. I think that helps me enormously in my game. It's a good gift."

Vincent Kompany says your profile is characterised by activity and constantly being available. Is that your greatest asset to the team?
"I always try to be available for my teammates, demand the ball and distribute it cleanly. I'm constantly scanning my whole surroundings. I also need to know what's going on behind me, that's a basic principle for midfielders. I now realise my teammates consciously search me out in tight situations. Also because they know that I'm always there and usually have good solutions ready. I really enjoy this role in the team."

Kompany also mentioned your defensive development. Do you also think you've made a step forward in that area?
"Definitely. I think I've made significant progress in my defensive work. When you have a former world-class centre-back as a coach, you almost have to improve, don't you? He certainly gives me a lot of good tips, which have already helped me a lot."

Is there a defensive midfielder whose playing style particularly impresses you?
"In recent years, Rodri has defined the number six position at Manchester City and he even won the Ballon d'Or. Rodri is a world-class defensive midfielder, even if he has unfortunately had some bad luck with injuries recently. Sergio Busquets was also a real role model for me as a child. He was indispensable in that position at Barcelona for years. Busquets was very strong both with and without the ball, was always available and always had one eye on his surroundings. He was also very solid defensively and put in a lot of legwork on the pitch. A real figurehead."

Do you specifically watch games of players who play in your position?
"I used to do that occasionally. Today, I concentrate more on my own game and what I can improve. I think I'm on the right track. I notice how I'm improving from game to game and that's exactly what I want to continue doing. There's always room for improvement."

In games in the knockout stage of the Champions League, i.e. at the very highest level - what details make the difference in your position?
"Everything happens faster against top clubs, the tempo is higher, so you have to be even more alert. Then there's the mental pressure. But as I said, I've never had any problems with that. If anything, I look forward to showing what I'm capable of on the big stage."

When would you say: I'm now one of those players who can decide games at this level? Or are you perhaps already one of them?
"You never know, maybe I'll score a goal in a Champions League final one day, something like that increases the chances of the fans perhaps counting you among them one day (laughs). But joking aside: Of course, individual moments often decide games - and in our squad, anyone can make the difference. I'm just trying to do my bit to reach the Champions League final at some point. And then we'll see (grins)."

You recently said in an interview that responsibility is a ‘privilege’ for you. What do you mean by that?
"When younger players move up to the first team, such as Lennart Karl for example, I try to be there for them, help them and give them a hand. It's similar to what I experienced myself in my early days with the senior players. Leon Goretzka gave me a very warm welcome back then. I also knew Josip Stanišić from the youth setup, and he also helped me to integrate quickly into the team."

How does a young player manage to assert himself in a team full of world-class players?
"You just have to give your all and work hard, even when it's difficult - that's the foundation. You also shouldn't go into a game with the fear of doing something wrong. My motto is: be confident, look forward to showing what you can do - and mistakes are part of the game. You can then learn from them."

You recently said in an interview that you used to look like a stick of asparagus. What has changed since then?
"Physically, definitely a lot. I've worked hard for that. At the same time, my confidence has also changed. I used to be a shy boy, small and slight. Today I'm much more confident. I feel better than ever right now."

When you play in the centre, you naturally have a lot of responsibility for the game. What role does communication play in this?
"Consistent coordination with the other number six is particularly important. In order to complement each other well, it's important to have clear arrangements, like who pushes up in certain situations, who drops into the back line and similar processes. This is not only done verbally, but also through gestures. Basically, playing with two number sixes means you have a more attacking part and a more defensive part. But the roles can change during the game, so you have to communicate constantly to avoid leaving gaps, especially in defence."

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann mentioned with a view to the World Cup that he could well imagine playing with a double six consisting of you and Leon Goretzka. How did you feel when you heard that?
"Of course I'm pleased when the national coach speaks positively about me. The World Cup is a clear goal of mine, but at the moment I'm still looking at it from afar. For now, I still have big goals with FC Bayern. That's where my focus is and I'm continuing to work hard for that. And then, come the summer, the World Cup."

You missed the last European Championship here in Germany in 2024 due to tonsillitis. How did you deal with it?
"You can't do anything about it. These things happen, so you have to get over them quickly and move on, even if it's not easy of course. My family and friends really helped me to take my mind off things, not think about them too much and create some distance. In general, it's always worth spending time with people who are close to you. Just having a coffee and a chat - that provides the necessary counter-balance to everyday life as a professional footballer."

When you look at your development over the last two years, what are you most proud of?
"That I've managed to assert myself here and have the privilege of playing for this club. Red and white have been my colours since I was a child. I put my heart and soul into every training session and every game and give my all on the pitch. There really is nothing better for me than wearing this jersey - and I'd like to do so for as long as possible."

This interview was published (in German) in the April issue of the members' magazine '51'.

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