As of: March 8, 2024, 5:03 p.m
By: Philipp Kuserau
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Aleksandar Pavlović is the revelation in an otherwise disappointing Bayern season - but he will be missing against Mainz.
How does Thomas Tuchel plan without the youngster?
Munich – The praise for Aleksandar Pavlović is getting louder from game to game.
At just 19 years old, he became the linchpin of Bayern's midfield in the second leg of the round of 16 against Lazio Rome (3-0).
With the steep rise of the FCB jewel, Thomas Tuchel's midfield concerns that he expressed months ago suddenly seem to have evaporated.
However, Pavlović will miss the home league game against Mainz (3:30 p.m., TV information here) because he is suspended.
So Tuchel has to come up with a replacement plan in midfield.
Pavlović has established himself under Tuchel
It's hard to imagine what would have happened to Pavlović's development if Bayern had taken João Palhinha seriously last summer and freed the Portuguese from Fulham for a lot of money.
It is at least doubtful whether the youngster's star would currently shine just as brightly in the Bavarian sky.
The mega-talent that is being ensnared by the Serbian association now seems to have settled into Tuchel's midfield.
The 50-year-old gives Pavlović a lot of trust and playing time - the youngster, in turn, repays it with good performances.
"I'm happy for him.
In addition to his athletic abilities, he has always shown what a fine guy he is.
His self-confidence comes from the way he plays,” enthuses the FCB coach on the matchday PK before the game against Mainz.
Youngster Aleksandar Pavlović has established himself under Thomas Tuchel.
© IMAGO
Tuchel doesn't want to change his defensive formation against Mainz
The sufferer is Joshua Kimmich, who was moved to the right-back position by Tuchel.
According to Tuchel, nothing will change on Saturday.
“It was very good against Leipzig and Lazio, I hope he can build on that,” said Tuchel, praising the 29-year-old.
The statement can be seen as an indication that Tuchel has no plans to restructure his back four in defense for the time being.
Bayern are likely to start again with Kimmich, Matthijs de Ligt, Eric Dier and Raphaël Guerreiro.
Players like Alphonso Davies, Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano will probably have to take a back seat for now.
Laimer will replace Pavlović in midfield
However, Tuchel plans to replace Kimmich's favorite position in midfield alongside Leon Goretzka with Konrad Laimer.
“The final decision has not yet been made, the tendency is for Konrad Laimer to play on the six,” the coach, who left in the summer, announced on the PK.
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Tuchel is also likely to have a clear tendency on the offensive: Leroy Sané is considered “fit for action”, as are Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane.
FC Bayern's expected line-up against 1. FSV Mainz 05
Neuer - Kimmich, Dier, de Ligt, Guerreiro - Goretzka, Laimer - Sane, Müller, Musiala - Kane
(kus)