Speaking extensively to Bayern Munich’s club journal “51” French defender Benjamin Pavard discusses how he’s adapting to life in Munich, his spectacular goal at the World Cup and life in isolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think people are becoming more thoughtful,” said Pavard. “I’m just noticing how long the days are when you spend them completely alone. We talk about these thoughts and feelings during video training with the team. We know what’s important in life: health, of course – and as an athlete I miss the competition. That spurs us all on. I miss the daily training, I miss the stadium, I miss the fans in particular.”
Pavard celebrated his 24th birthday at the end of March, a time when his parents were expecting to visit to watch Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt.
“I’m home alone here in Munich. My parents were supposed to visit at the end of March, for the game against Eintracht Frankfurt and my birthday a few days later,” added the World Cup winner.
“Fortunately, we can at least see each other on video calls these days. My family are doing well under the circumstances. I have no siblings, and being so far apart in this complicated situation is not ideal.”
Like players across the world, Pavard is undergoing specific training plans from home: “After breakfast, training with the team via video is usually at 11 am for one and a half hours. I have my own gym at home and a pool, so I can do additional sessions myself.
“I’m often in the garden doing something with the ball. Without the trusted guidance of our physios, the whole situation is more difficult – and not so nice, because the team spirit is missing. In a time like this, you realise just how well looked after we are at FC Bayern. The physios make things so easy for us players.”
Pavard’s goal against Russia at the 2018 World Cup was awarded Goal of the Tournament: “Everything went like a dream. I went to Bayern partly to stay relevant to the national team. For me it’s the best club in the world, with the best players in the world. Bayern will win the Champions League again soon, I’m sure.”
