Stanisic dissatisfied with substitute role at Leverkusen

FC Bayern loanee Josip Stanisic has opened up about his limited playing time for Bayer Leverkusen.

Josip Stanisic joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan from Bayern Munich in the summer, hoping for more first-team opportunities.

So far, however, the defender has made just one Bundesliga start and has mostly been involved in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal.

Speaking to Kicker after Wednesday’s 3-1 cup win over Paderborn, in which Stanisic made a rare start, the defender expressed his frustration at his lack of game time.

“Of course things could be better for me personally. I’d be lying if I said everything was perfect, but I’m here to help the team. It is what it is,” Stanisic openly admitted.

“I joined the team later, unfortunately I was ill against Bayern [on Matchday 4] and ‘Odi’ had done an excellent job up to that point – and continues to do so,” he added, referring to Odilon Kossounou, who has formed a formidable trio with Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba at the back.

Stanisic went on to say that he’s not going to sulk, but knows he has to fight to play more.

“Of course I’m going to keep at it and try to give my best when I play. It doesn’t help to bring bad vibes into the team,” said the defender, who can hope for significantly more playing time when Kossounou and Tapsoba travel to the Africa Cup of Nations (January 13-February 11).

“Of course there are days when I’m in a bad mood. But that’s just my nature. I’m just someone who always wants to play.”

More about Josip Stanisic