In a heartfelt message, Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of Bayern Munich, shared his support for the team's young talent, Aleksandar Pavlović, who is currently grappling with Pfeiffer's disease. With the German national team set to clash against Italy in the Nations League quarter-finals next week, concerns remain high regarding Pavlović’s availability and health.
During a press conference on March 19, 2025, Nagelsmann expressed a personal connection to Pavlović's struggles, reflecting on his own experience with the illness. "Ich hatte das Pfeiffersche Drüsenfieber auch schon. Das ist kein Vergnügen und kann gefährlich werden," Nagelsmann stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the condition and the importance of not rushing recovery.
At just 20 years old, Pavlović had begun to make a name for himself, drawing attention from both his club and the national team due to his remarkable performances on the pitch. However, his health has necessitated a forced break. "Pavlo soll sich alle Zeit der Welt nehmen und wieder gesund werden. Danach geht es darum, so viel Spielpraxis wie möglich zu sammeln, um seine tolle Entwicklung fortzusetzen," Nagelsmann advised, urging the young player to focus on his health first.
Despite these supportive words, Nagelsmann found himself at the center of criticism following earlier statements where he suggested that Pavlović needed more playing time to be effective for the national team. Some experts interpreted these comments as pressure on the already ailing player. Responding to the backlash, Nagelsmann clarified, "Ich zwinge ihn zu nichts. Ich habe mich auf die Zeit vor seiner Krankheit bezogen. Er braucht einfach wieder Rhythmus. Ich werde niemals einen kranken Spieler drängen, ein Stammspieler zu werden." His firm stance underscores the priority he places on Pavlović's recovery.
Adding to the concerns, Olaf Bodden, a former star of 1860 Munich who is now in a wheelchair due to complications from Pfeiffer’s disease, publicly criticized Nagelsmann. He warned against putting undue pressure on Pavlović at such a vulnerable time. "Aussagen, wie diese, sind sehr gefährlich! Das setzt Aleks nämlich unter einen Druck, den er nicht brauchen kann. Dazu kommt, dass Aleks gar nichts für seine Erkrankung kann. Er ist doch der Erste, der unbedingt spielen möchte, um große Erfolge mit dem FC Bayern und dem DFB zu feiern!" Bodden stated, emphasizing that the player’s health must come first.
Drawing from his own past, where he rushed back to competition only to face dire consequences, Bodden advised Pavlović to ignore outside pressures. He emphasized, "Aleks sollte ausschließlich auf sich hören – nicht auf seinen Trainer, seine Teamkollegen, seine Familie und auch nicht nur auf die Ärzte. Dafür muss er ehrlich in seinen Körper hineinhören, ohne sich Druck zu machen. Gegen die Symptome anzukämpfen, bringt nichts, ganz im Gegenteil!" Bodden’s experience highlights the potential dangers of premature returns to play after such an illness.
As it stands, Pavlović remains unavailable for Bayern Munich and the national team, with no clear timeline for his return. The club is closely monitoring his recovery, as they are eager to avoid any setbacks that could arise from rushing his return to the pitch. With Nagelsmann’s balanced support and Bodden’s cautionary advice, the focus now shifts entirely to ensuring Pavlović can recover at his own pace.
In the context of the ongoing Nations League, Nagelsmann's recent addresses included further discussions about team strategies, especially concerning the six-position player roles. However, every strategic consideration is tinged with the backdrop of Pavlović’s health concerns, reinforcing the idea that player welfare must always take precedence in discussions about athletic performance. The message from Nagelsmann remains clear: recovery is paramount.
As the upcoming fixture approaches, the nudge of anticipation grows stronger for the national team fans. However, the health of their players, most notably Pavlović, will remain in the spotlight as the team navigates their path forward in the tournament. The balance between ambition and health is a delicate one, and for Pavlović, the focus must solely be on a healthy return.
