Aleksandar Pavlovic has pushed back at the portrait that has shadowed Michael Olise since his move to Munich.
“Michael is completely different from how he’s portrayed in public,” the Bayern Munich midfielder told Sport Bild.
“He’s a very funny, friendly person who laughs a lot with us. We get along really well, and he’s a good friend of mine. I enjoy spending time with him and sharing the pitch with him.”
Bayern’s quiet word with Olise’s camp
Late last month, Bayern held internal talks with Olise’s agent, Glen Tweneboah, about the French winger’s public conduct. The club wanted him more engaged at marketing and sponsorship events, and warmer in front of a camera.
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The specific worries, per Sport Bild’s reporting: single-sentence television answers, expressionless Player of the Match photos, minimal trophy celebrations and a habit of standing behind teammates in squad shots.
Sport Bild said the conversation “appears to have had the desired effect, with the club now more satisfied with Olise’s public image.”
The on-pitch version
The gap Pavlovic is describing came into public view after Bayern’s 5-0 Champions League win over Bodø/Glimt in September, when a famously clipped television exchange went viral before Olise sat down with UEFA for a longer chat.
“I thought it was a good performance. First half was a bit difficult. They had a low block, it was tight. Then, naturally as the game opened up, we were able to get our chances and take them,” Olise told UEFA.
He scored twice and set up another in that match.
Contract talk, with Madrid in the picture
Vincent Kompany’s side are trying to tie Olise down beyond his current 2029 deal, with sporting director Max Eberl confirming that the club is exploring a possible extension.
Real Madrid is reportedly the 24-year-old’s preferred destination if he does move. Arsenal and Barcelona are watching the contract situation, though no formal negotiations with any suitor have been reported, and Olise has not publicly indicated a desire to leave.
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