Aleksandar Pavlovic has been nominated by national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the home European Championships. This means he replaces his Bayern team-mate Leon Goretzka. The 20-year-old has now commented on the situation.
In an interview with Sport BILD, Aleksandar Pavlovic said of his call-up to the European Championship squad: „I found out in the morning via a text message from Julian Nagelsmann.“ He had just been in the hot tub at Säbener Straße when he received the message.
When his pulse „immediately went up“ and he was „really happy“, he immediately called his family and his agents. „It was definitely one of the best text messages I’ve ever received in my life,“ the 20-year-old continued.
One Bayern star who was not awarded a place in the DFB squad, however, is Leon Goretzka. The talented midfielder had this to say about his Bayern team-mate: „I have a good relationship with Leon. I get on very well with him. I like playing with him. He’s helped me a lot right from the start.“
„I always dreamed of something like this as a child“
In addition to his stable performances in the Bundesliga, Pavlovic’s starring role in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid could be the main reason for his nomination. When asked about the game, he revealed: „I always dreamed of something like this as a child – playing with FC Bayern against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. That was crazy.“
Even though FC Bayern were eliminated in the end, Pavlovic’s performance was impressive. The reason for this could be his mentality, as he „was still calm before the game. I wanted to be brave and play my game. No matter the opponent, I just play my football, my passes,“ he explained. So there is reason to hope that the Bayern jewel will be able to handle pressure situations well at the upcoming European Championship.
For Pavlovic, the home European Championships will be about fulfilling his role as an „absolute team player“ in the best possible way. He will give his all in every training session, but of course hopes that he can be on the pitch and get minutes. The national team newcomer is not worried that he could be one of the players who is ultimately not included in the final European Championship squad: „I assume and hope that I will definitely be at the tournament.“
