Thanks to B42: Record man Petrovic more fit than ever

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Aleksandro Petrovic has been playing for over ten years with the regional league TSV Buchbach. In the Bavarian Regional League, founded in 2012, the midfielder of the cult club has since missed just 15 out of a total of 273 games - making him the record player in the fourth division by far.

He is now 33 years old, but Petrovic is still a long way off thinking of quitting. He recently extended his contract with the Upper Bavarian fourth division team until 2024. With the help of our game changer, he wants to get the most out of his body once again.

We met the former professional, who was a regular player at Dynamo Dresden and teammate of Mats Hummels at FC Bayern Munich, and talked to him about “soccer and the world.”

42 short questions - 42 quick answers:

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Why do you play soccer?

I think it started for me just like any little boy — love and passion across from the ball. My mom said I took the first step with the ball. Well, it was simply the first love and it stayed that way.

What is your daily motivation for doing this?

The motivation is, of course, to get in shape during the week in order to collect points over the weekend. And especially at an advanced age, I have to invest more, of course.

What does soccer mean to you?

For me, soccer means love and passion. For me, it is also a kind of art, it is about education, that you say that on the square you learn to earn respect for yourself.

Describe soccer in one word:

passion

What would you tell your 18-year-old “me”?

Definitely that he should get his ass up and invest in his body, invest time, invest work. Because talent alone isn't enough.

What is soccer definitely not supposed to be?

Definitely no burden or obligation. The focus should always be on fun, that is the most important thing.

“I REALLY HAD A LOT OF BAD GAMES”

What did you learn from soccer?

I've learned to appreciate competition. My ambition was developed as a result. And one very important thing: As a result, I've learned to earn respect for myself in general in life.

What was a defining experience in your entire career?

Of course I would the Play against Rosenheim For us Buchbacher, that is of course very special when you stay in the league in the 97th minute thanks to a goal from the goalkeeper.

What was your worst game so far?

There were a few — really a lot of them that I was really bad at. I was usually able to save it somehow with an assist or a goal, but objectively speaking, I had a lot of bad games.

What was your best game?

I can't think of any now. There were a few games in which I tied a double pack, they stick, of course, but I wouldn't want to highlight anything special about that now.

“FOOTBALL MEANS PASSION”

What was your biggest success?

We won Saxony Cup once with Dynamo (Dresden). And I was Germany's national U-player. And of course the game against Rosenheim, I can't forget that, of course.

Why are you torturing yourself with our game changer now in winter?

Because through the app, I hope to stay fit as long as possible and stay at the level I am at.

“SOMETIMES I HATE THE PEOPLE WHO DESIGNED THE TRAINING”

What inspires you about B42?

I am inspired that the programs and exercises are perfectly coordinated and that you can do all the exercises without weight.

Do you sometimes hate those who made the guides?

... and how much I hate you (laughs).

What do you think about during a workout?

I remember how cool my protein shake tastes afterwards

Do you have a favorite exercise?

I actually like doing push-ups and pull-ups

Which exercise do you dislike at all?

Burpees. So 160 burpees in one workout, that's quite an achievement.

How do you stay motivated?

I can see the progress and I know that it will benefit me so that I can get back to my performance in spring.

What progress have you noticed so far?

I definitely notice that my upper body has changed, that I am more stable. And that it pushes the individual muscle groups outwards.

“I ACTUALLY WANTED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL”

Why is the training program something for everyone, no matter in which league?

Because everyone can improve their everyday life and therefore their health.

Are the questions already annoying you?

No, not yet (laughs.)

How did you make it to the regional league?

I have to be honest, I had a completely different approach. I actually wanted to play higher than the regional league — but it is definitely a very good level with a lot of really good players.

Why are you an absolute leader?

I think a leader wolf is much more important than you think. You have to move forward both in terms of personality and performance, and I think I'm on the right track.

What makes you stand out on the pitch?

I think that's more of a question for my teammates. But I would say that they know that I am there when it matters and that I will then have their back.

“YOUNG PLAYERS SHOULD DO EVERYTHING DIFFERENTLY THAN I DO”

What do young players have to learn if they want to constantly improve?

That they do everything differently than I do (laughs). And do it yourself at an early stage and work on your weaknesses.

Why is it worthwhile to constantly work on yourself and your skills?

So you can get the most out of it. I don't think I've been able to do that for a long time.

What is still driving you?

I'm still driven by the fact that opponents often say, “Are you still here? Are you still playing? “And then I think to myself “You won't get rid of me that easily” and that's why I train with the app so that I stay fit and active for as long as possible.

You're 32 now — how much longer do you want to play?

As long as it goes, actually. I don't want to say “I would only have played a year longer” after my career — and as long as it's possible for my health and I stay at my level, I still want to kick.

What else would you like to achieve with Buchbach this season?

The primary goal is always to stay in class, I think we're doing pretty well there. And if it works in any way, win the League Cup to get into the DFB Cup.