Benjamin Pavard on his perception in France: “I’d like to have more respect.” | OneFootball

Speaking to Canal Football Club, Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard has discussed his reputation in his home country, indicating that he would like the French public to value his performances more.

Pavard, since his sensational goal against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup, has been the subject of criticism, which has heightened following his performances at last week’s Nations League final four.

“I put the criticism in France into perspective. I left France when I was young, I didn’t play a lot of matches in Ligue 1 so the French public doesn’t know me. Or they only know me through my goal at the 2018 World Cup. From that moment on people started paying attention to me.”

“I’d like to have more respect from the French, because I am French myself. But I’m not going to force people to watch Bayern Munich matches. The real ones, those who know football, are aware of the performances I’ve had and am putting in.”

“I’ve discovered a new position with France recently, as a right wing-back. I used to play as a central defender at Stuttgart. I’ve been a starter at Bayern Munich for two years as a right-back. I’ve gotten a bit used to that position. As a right wing-back, I won’t be at the top level straight away. It’s a new position for me, I’ve only just begun in it.”