Benjamin Pavard: Bayern Munich’s new defensive boss?

Benjamin Pavard is coming into his own in his first season with Bayern Munich. Pavard has played and started in every Bundesliga and Champions League game so far this season, both at center-back and at right-back. Now that Niklas Süle is injured, Pavard will have to take on an even bigger role. Sport1 asked Benjamin Pavard whether he is now the new “Abwehr-Chef” — the “boss of the defense”:

I don’t know. I have to talk with the coach first and then we’ll see. I have played many games in a row now and hope that I play again against Piraeus and can take on even more responsibility. At any rate, I feel good and hope that things continue that way.

Pavard should definitely be happy about his amount of playing time and the trust Niko Kovac has in him. In addition to being one of Bayern’s staples in the back-line this year, Pavard has earned praise by Bayern President Uli Hoeness, who previously said,

After a few weeks, is showing that he will be one of the best transfers that we have ever made. It always was clear to me that he would be an outstanding transfer, especially, because he has a wonderful personality.

Even though Pavard has played well this season, he is still not satisfied. Pavard talked about wanting more clean sheets, saying,

We’re conceding a very high number of goals at the moment, in every game recently. We urgently need to improve that and allow fewer goals again. I hope that we keep a clean sheet against Piraeus — it would do us good.

Süle’s injury was a big blow to Bayern Munich. Pavard was becoming close with his defensive partner both on and off the pitch. He said,

It feel very sorry for him. He’s like a brother to me — and now he’ll be out for months. Of course I wish him a speedy recovery and am convinced that he’ll come back stronger.

Pavard remains focused on the competition and also talked about wanting to get another 3 points in the Champions League against Olympiacos. This is the first time Pavard is playing in the Champions League, but the Frenchman has plenty of experience playing in big games, notably winning the World Cup with France, and in particular against Argentina, where he scored the goal of the tournament.