Bundesliga
Benjamin Pavard eyes central role
Benjamin Pavard has his sights set on taking Niklas Süle's spot at centre-half for Bayern Munich next season, but there's one thing the Frenchman will not follow his soon-to-be former German colleague in doing and that's join Borussia Dortmund.
Since joining Bayern in 2019, Pavard has almost exclusively operated at right-back, with his arrival allowing Joshua Kimmich to evolve into one of the best central midfielders on the planet.
But the France international has made no secret of his preference to play in the centre of defence and, with Süle bound for BVB and Moroccan right-back Noussair Mazraoui recruited from Ajax, Pavard may well get his chance next season.
"I can help out on the right flank, but my position is central defender," the 26-year-old told French broadcaster RMC. "I want to play central defender because that's my position since the U19s. I feel very comfortable and fulfilled in this position."
Ultimately, it will be up to coach Julian Nagelsmann to decide where Pavard operates, and the defender is excited to see where the club goes under the youthful Bayern boss now that he has his first season with the club under his belt.
"He's a tactician, I think he's a very good coach. He's also young, but he fits in very well with Bayern Munich's philosophy," said Pavard.
"We play ultra-offensively and there are almost three of us in defence in every game. I like that and that's why I'm at Bayern Munich.
"We know what demands are made at a high level. At Bayern you have to win at least the championship. It's a decent season but I hope the next one will be better."
Watch: How do Nagelsmann and Flick's Bayern teams compare?
Wherever he plays, Pavard clearly feels content in Bavaria.
Having collected a third Bundesliga title in succession last term, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has amassed a total of eight trophies with Bayern since joining from VfB Stuttgart three years ago - including the club's historic sextuple.
With the good times rolling in, Pavard has no intention of leaving the Allianz Arena anytime soon and he has emphatically ruled out ever following Süle and the likes of Mario Götze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski in crossing the Klassiker divide.
"I'm very happy at Bayern Munich, it's one of the best clubs in the world," he said. "I feel good, I still have two years of contract. I like it there."
"If one day I should go, it will not be to Dortmund, despite all the respect I have for the club and its fans."