Pavlovic scores in a mask: Bayern’s ‘Batman’ fights for Germany comeback | OneFootball

Aleksandar Pavlovic celebrated his return to FC Bayern with a special performance. The 21-year-old not only scored a goal in the victory against Hamburger SV, but also delivered an iconic image. His next goal: a comeback in the German national team.

When Pavlovic sprinted to the corner flag against HSV over the weekend, casually propped his hand and confidently looked into the crowd, the football world seemed to stand still for a moment. Not only the goal, but also the mask he has to wear due to his eye socket injury, made the scene unforgettable. Dressed all in black and with a determined look, the Munich native looked like a superhero - and promptly got a new nickname: "Batman".

"It wasn't planned, it all came intuitively. But I had a feeling that I would score a goal today. I have no idea where from, but sometimes it's like that. I woke up in the morning and knew it," Pavlovic explained after the match.

"Batman" wants to take off the mask

Photo: IMAGO

Even though he likes the nickname in the locker room, Pavlovic wants to get rid of his mask soon. "You get used to it, but honestly, I'm also glad when it's gone. At first, it gave me security, but now I only wear it as a precaution," said the midfielder.

Until Wednesday in the Champions League duel with FC Chelsea, the protective mask will still be mandatory. Afterwards, Pavlovic hopes to be able to play again without aids. The ambition to play a leading role both at FC Bayern and in the national team is clearly noticeable in the homegrown player.

His goal is clear: not only to hold his own in Munich against competitors like Leon Goretzka and newcomer Tom Bischof, but also to become a topic again for national coach Julian Nagelsmann. Because Pavlovic was missing in the last international matches against Slovakia and Northern Ireland - not to the delight of the 21-year-old, but with understanding for the decision.

"I didn't have to swallow. I was coming from an injury. That's why I wasn't angry, but I understood," he explained. Now Pavlovic is working to get back into focus with performances at the club.

DFB comeback and advice from Thomas Müller

Pavlovic has no doubt that he can make his way back into the DFB team. "Now I'm giving everything again and trying to fight my way back into the national team," he emphasized. At the same time, he backed his teammates: "You don't have to badmouth everything because of a bad game."

He also gets support from an old mentor: Thomas Müller. Pavlovic is still in close contact with the Bayern veteran. "I wished Thomas a happy birthday today and he congratulated me on the goal. Because he also has me on Kickbase," the youngster said with a smile.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.