Shortly before the home European Championships, Julian Nagelsmann has to think about a new shooting star.
But two experts advise him against Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Munich – Aleksandar Pavlovic from FC Bayern is on everyone’s lips.
In the middle of Munich's crisis, he played himself into the center of attention, and in the important Champions League game against Lazio he was allowed to play from the start - and shone.
Of course, this also brings the DFB team to the table, who want the 19-year-old in their ranks.
Big DFB surprise?
Nagelsmann apparently nominates Pavlovic
Two days before the official squad nomination for the international matches against France (March 23) and the Netherlands (March 26),
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want to know that national coach Julian Nagelsmann will nominate Pavlovic for the DFB team.
His teammate at FC Bayern, Leon Goretzka, is said to be left behind.
Does this mean that Pavlovic will secure a place for the 2024 European Championship in his own country?
Questionable.
However, the discussion about Pavlovic is not only met with approval.
The two former Bayern players Mario Basler and Lothar Matthäus are rather critical.
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Is Aleksandar Pavlovic already an option for the 2024 European Championship?
Basel and Matthäus say no!
© Gribaudi/imago
Basler and Matthäus against Pavlovic at the European Championships 2024
“Aleksandar Pavlovic has played great recently, you have to acknowledge that, but you shouldn't turn the boy's head.
“I don’t think he’s a candidate for the national team yet,” wrote Lothar Matthäus in his column for the pay-TV channel Sky.
There would be no need in central midfield.
“With returnees Toni Kroos, captain İlkay Gündoğan, Leon Goretzka and Pascal Groß, there are enough candidates to play in the six or eight position,” wrote Matthäus.
Similar tones were echoed by Mario Basler when he discussed the subject of Pavlovic in his podcast “Basler ballert”.
“I don't want to hear that a player like that is being taken to the European Championships.
So please,” he said.
Pavlovic is of course a player for the DFB team in the future - but not immediately.
“Let's let the year go by and let him gain experience, but not dream again.
He’s a huge talent, a huge footballer, but after the European Championships you can invite him.”
FC Bayern Munich: That's how long the contracts of Kane, Kimmich, Müller and Co. run.
FC Bayern Munich: That's how long the contracts of Kane, Kimmich, Müller and Co. run.
Pavlovic before DFB nomination?
Serbian association is putting pressure on
So why Nagelsmann's decision in favor of Pavlovic?
The 19-year-old's parents are of Serbian descent, so he also has Serbian citizenship.
The Serbian association had already put pressure on the issue publicly and reported on a conversation with the parents that was “constructive and direct for both sides”.
After the DFB had already missed out on a huge talent in Nuremberg's Can Uzun, the national coach apparently put a lot of effort into Pavlovic to convince him to join the DFB.
And it seems he succeeded.
(msb)
Category list image: © Gribaudi/imago