Title: Josip Stanisic: "Of Course Things Could Be Better, But I'm Here to Help"
Josip Stanisic, the Bayern Munich loanee, found himself in the Leverkusen starting eleven again, this time against SC Paderborn in the cup round of 16. The Croatian's cross set up Victor Boniface for the opening goal as Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory.
Despite his recognition in the starting eleven, Stanisic is transparent about his desire for more playing time at Bayer. The 23-year-old international defender has only started once in five Bundesliga appearances (162 minutes in total), four times in the Europa League, and twice in the cup.
"Well, of course, things could be better for me personally," said Stanisic candidly after Leverkusen's cup quarter-finals win. He continued, "It'd be a lie if I said everything is perfect. But I'm here to help the team."
Stanisic acknowledged his current squad situation with a shrug, "It is what it is. I joined later, unfortunately, I was ill against Bayern. And Odi (Odilon Kossounou) had done exceptionally well up until then - and he's doing exceptionally well now."
The Croatian emphasized his determination, "I'll keep at it and try to do my best. There are days when I'm sometimes in a better mood, sometimes in a worse mood. That's just my nature. I'm someone who always wants to play."
Importance in January
Stanisic will become crucial for Leverkusen in January as their African national team players, Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossounou, depart for the Africa Cup. The team sought Stanisic specifically with that tournament in mind.
"I'm just happy that things are going so well for the team, that's the most important thing," Stanisic conveyed with a smile.
Furthermore, the European Championship candidate contributed to Leverkusen's great success in the 2-0 win against Häcken and in their cup victory with three assists in two starting line-up appearances. "I'm not used to doing that myself, but you're always developing," Stanisic grinned, reflecting on his performance.
Sources
Enrichment Insights:
Josip Stanisic's loan from Bayern Munich to Bayer Leverkusen has proven to be a fruitful decision for both teams. The Croatian defender has taken his chance to exhibit his skills and has significantly contributed to Leverkusen's success, both in the Bundesliga and DFB Cup.
Stanisic's performance and impact during his loan spell were notable, as he showed adaptability, leadership, and a strong work ethic. He managed to secure four crucial goals and six assists in 38 competitive matches, demonstrating his value to the team.
Moreover, Stanisic's growth and development were evident during his time at Leverkusen. He evolved from a former youth player perceived as merely an alternate option to a more established and motivated player, inspiring his teammates with his performances in both the Bundesliga and DFB Cup.
Bayer Leverkusen's domestic double during Stanisic's loan period represented a period of great team success. With a solid defensive record and an impressive attack, Leverkusen managed to finish second in the Bundesliga table and secure a 10-0 win in the DFB-Pokal, completely sweeping their opponents as they advanced to the semi-finals.
In summary, Josip Stanisic's loan to Bayer Leverkusen was instrumental in their recent successes. His growth, leadership, and contributions were significant, transforming his career and, ultimately, helping the team reach new heights in domestic competitions.
