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Barcelona target Benjamin Pavard is happy at Bayern Munich after manager Julian Nagelsmann's tactical change at the back, as per the player's agent Joseph Mohan.
Pavard publicly claimed earlier this season that he wanted to play as a centre-back rather than a right-back - a position assigned to him under Nagelsmann. However, the German tactician now plays with a back three, with the French defender playing as a right-sided centre-half.
That has pleased Pavard, who was recently linked with a move to Barcelona. Mohan, his agent, told TuttoMercatoWeb.com (via @MiaSanMia, h/t BavarianFootballWorks):
"A lot has changed since Nagelsmann moved him from right-back to his original position at centre-back. In his position, he has rediscovered serenity and is happy."
Pavard's contract at the Allianz Arena expires in the summer of 2024, but the 26-year-old is yet to agree fresh terms with the club. His agent, though, remains tight-lipped about the situation. He added:
"In football, anything can happen, as I always say, you never know. But what’s clear is now that Benjamin is playing in the position where he belongs, things are changing for him too.
Mohan concluded:
"I can say that after the two important matches in the Champions League, we’ll meet and talk about it, but the relationship with coach Nagelsmann is excellent. Benjamin himself has confirmed it."
The France international played as a centre-back in Bayern Munich's 1-0 first leg Champions League last 16 win against Paris Saint-Germain. He was suspended for the second leg, but his team won the tie 3-0 on aggregate.
Pavard continues to be one of Nagelsmann's key players, playing 2,394 minutes across competitions this season - the fourth-most at the club.
Barcelona centre-back praised by Denmark coach
Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has lavished praise on Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen.
The Danish international joined the Blaugrana on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer and has made 25 appearances across competitions. Hjulmand was recently quoted as saying by Diario AS (h/t BarcaUniversal):
"Andreas is among the best in that position if he isn’t the best, If I were in a club and had to choose a centre-back, I would choose him. And now he has come to a team where you really appreciate the way he plays that position."
Barcelona have confirmed that Ronald Araujo suffered an adductor injury during the team's 2-1 La Liga win against Real Madrid on Sunday (March 19). The severity of his injury is yet to be determined.
If Araujo is sidelined for a lengthy period, Christensen, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde could be manager Xavi Hernandez's only three natural centre-back options.
