Nagelsmann issues warning to Pavlovic: "If his rhythm remains as it is now..." | OneFootball

Julian Nagelsmann has warned Aleksandar Pavlovic that he must increase his playing time for Bayern Munich to ensure he retains his place in the Germany squad.

Pavlovic has been in and out of the Bayern starting line-up this season due to injuries and competition from Leon Goretzka in central midfield.

And in an interview with the FAZ, Nagelsmann makes no secret of the fact that he'd like to see more consistency from the 20-year-old, who is currently on the sidelines due to illness.

Asked about the possibility of including Pavlovic and Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller in his squad for the World Cup next year, Nagelsmann said:

"Those are two players we're thinking about and who would actually be perfect for the World Cup in terms of age structure. But if we stick with ‘Pavlo’ - if his rhythm remains as it is now, with a maximum of 50 percent [of the games] - then it will be tight.

"To play a really important role in the national team, you have to be a regular at club level, or at least play 70-80 percent of the games.

“But of course I'm not going to go to [Bayern coach] Vincent Kompany and say: ‘Pavlo has to play more’ - that's not appropriate. Besides, it's the job of those who want to play in the World Cup to make sure that happens.”

Pavlovic is not expected to be in Germany's squad to face Italy in the UEFA Nations League this month due to the infection that is currently keeping him sidelined.