His loan departure from FC Bayern to league competitor Bayer Leverkusen caused a stir. Defender Josip Stanisic (23) trained with his new team in Leverkusen for the first time on Tuesday morning.
The Croatia international then spoke about…
Advertising Leverkusen: “The club tried very hard for me, they really wanted me. That impressed me.”
His impression of the Werkself: “I was impressed by how the team played football under Xabi Alonso, how they improved last season and how they started now. I just think that I can develop very well here and also play a lot of games. With the upswing in the last season and the beginning now, you can already feel the euphoria. The coach tries to take the fans with him. Everyone is in the mood for football here. You can feel that on the pitch.”
His new coach Xabi Alonso: “It’s something different. You know his CV as a footballer. I am sure that he will also achieve a lot as a coach. They were quiet and very good conversations. I also always try to stay as calm as possible.”
Josip Stanisic trained with his new team for the first time
Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen/Neil Baynes
The development before the change: “I knew about my position in Munich and that it is always difficult to play there. That’s how it was now in the preparation. I did my best and hoped for my chance. At some point it became apparent that Noussair Mazraoui had prevailed. It was clear to me that if Benjamin Pavard stayed, it would be very difficult for me to get playing time. The talks with Leverkusen were very positive right from the start and I really got into it. That’s how everything developed. It was back and forth. Is Benji staying? Is he going? I stay? Then I was a little up in the air. I think it was the right decision because I have a great team here, a great coach and I hope I’ll get a lot of playing time. I want to use that to the maximum.”
The fact that Bayern gave up a player to a competitor: “I was a bit surprised. I take it positively. If I had stayed at Bayern, I might not have gotten as many appearances as here. I see it as an opportunity. I want to play as many games as possible and help the team. The clubs agreed and it was the right decision for me too.”
His preferred position: “Where the coach needs me. But it’s no secret that I prefer to play on the right than on the left. I would really like the right-back position. But if we play with a back three or five, I can also play the right part in central defence. These are probably the two positions in which I am most often deployed.”
His betting chances: “Because of the many games. I’ve only been here for a short time and don’t go into the game on Saturday in Gladbach expecting to play straight away. If I don’t play from the start, I won’t be mad or open a huge barrel. But of course I want to play and we’ll see what the coach decides. The most important thing is that we get off to a good start and everyone feels comfortable. Joining a team that works makes it easier for me too.”
That’s madness! Accidental dream goal
Source: Image 08/19/2023
His contract situation (from 2024 the contract will continue to run for two more years in Munich; editor’s note): “My plan is simply to develop myself further so that I can get a better player next season, no matter where it is be – it could be that something changes at Bayern or here.”
Stanisic is “very impressed by the team”
Leverkusen’s ambitions: “I was very impressed by the team. We have a very good squad and we can do a lot. But the coach said it: we have to stay calm, even if the first game is now won. The hype and the pressure come very quickly. We have to stay grounded. But one thing is clear: we have very high goals with all the transfers.” And further: “I have experienced it in the last two years: it is very difficult to maintain the level over 34 games. It will be a challenge here too, especially with the English weeks. But with the size of the squad, we have a good chance of winning a title in the Bundesliga or in the DFB Cup, or at least playing for a title.”
His memories of the 2-1 defeat with Bayern in Leverkusen last season: “I have to say the atmosphere in the stadium was brutal. I was very surprised and that’s why I feel like playing here in front of this crowd.”
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2023-08-22 15:25:30
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