Last November, Benjamin Pavard publicly toyed with saying goodbye to FC Bayern. In the meantime, the French strikes completely different tones.
“I’m not averse to taking on a new challenge. Maybe now is the right time. Why not discover a new country, a new culture?” Pavard said in an interview with “L’Équipe”.
At “Sport1” the defensive all-rounder rowed back. “I never said I wanted to leave,” Pavard clarified, adding: “I know very well that I’m in a very big club where everything is excellent. I feel very comfortable here, I like it club and the fans and I hope we can achieve great things this season.”
A change in the last winter transfer window was not an issue for the 26-year-old anyway. Inter Milan had approached Bayern Munich and wanted to loan Pavard. But the Munich bosses rejected the offer.
“I’m not one to leave the ship in the middle of the journey,” Pavard clarified: “My goal was definitely to stay at Bayern Munich. I’m determined to give everything for the club and the team and I want to go with them Bayern win as many titles as possible.”
Pavard can get to his desired position
The reason for his about-face could be the fact that Pavard has been allowed to play in his desired central position at FC Bayern since this year.
French international coach Julian Nagelsmann is grateful for that: “I’m very happy because he puts his trust in me in a position that I feel most comfortable in and where I can best play to my strengths.”
Pavard sees the fact that the competition at FC Bayern is high as an advantage. “I’m trying to repay the coach’s trust with the best possible performance. It’s working well at the moment,” he said.
Pavard raves about Nagelsmann
Pavard found words of praise for his coach Nagelsmann. “The coach is very open. If you want to talk to him and knock on his door, he’s always there for you,” said the defender, adding: “The kind of football he wants to play is precise that’s what I like too. It’s attacking football where you always have to be on the move. And I learn from him every day how I can improve.”
Pavard has 29 competitive games this season. In the Bundesliga he has played more than 90 minutes in central defense for the last four games. His contract runs until 2024.
According to “AZ” there is now even an extension in the room. Accordingly, Pavard’s performances “encourage enthusiasm” among the bosses of FC Bayern.