Surprising words from Josip Stanisic after Leverkusen’s triumph in the cup: the defender revealed his hopes of a move from coach Xabi Alonso to FC Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen’s Croatian defender Josip Stanisic was on hand to answer questions after their commanding victory in the cup semi-final against Fortuna Düsseldorf. His comments on Xabi Alonso staying on as Leverkusen coach caused quite a stir. „Of course I’m delighted that he feels at home here. Personally, I had perhaps hoped for a different scenario. But not everything goes according to plan in football,“ explained Stanisic, who is now one of the pillars of the team after a difficult start under Alonso.
The background to this statement is the decision by Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel last summer to inform Stanisic that there was no need for him. This led to the defender being loaned to Leverkusen. Looking back, Stanisic sees this move as a positive one: „It was the right decision. I had the chance to gain match practice and develop further. Despite a difficult first half of the season, in which I was often dissatisfied, the team has developed enormously.“
Stanisic is now set to return to Bayern Munich, where he is still under contract until 2026. Stanisic’s advisor Dieter Hoeneß confirmed this in March: „He will return. There is neither an exit clause nor a purchase option for Leverkusen.“ Stanisic was obviously hoping to work under Alonso at Bayern, but that possibility is now off the table.
Stanisic’s future still uncertain
For Stanisic himself, however, a return to Munich does not yet seem certain. A decisive role will be played by whether the future Bayern coach backs him. „I’m fully focussed on Leverkusen until the last game. We’ll see what happens after that,“ he said.
However, Munich are likely to be very interested in keeping Stanisic, especially as he has a special bond with the club as a home-grown player. His loan and the sale of Benjamin Pavard had exacerbated Bayern’s defensive problems in the past. Stanisic’s return could therefore offer a chance for a fresh start – regardless of who becomes the new Bayern coach.