Josip Stanisic's struggle for game time: Loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen under the spotlight

In the quest for increased first-team action, Josip Stanisic's loan move from Bayern Munich to Bayer Leverkusen was anticipated with great expectations.

However, the 23-year-old defender finds himself grappling with limited Bundesliga starts, echoing his sentiments after a rare appearance in Wednesday's 3-1 DFB-Pokal triumph over Paderborn.

Addressing his situation with candor, Stanisic expressed his frustration to Kicker, acknowledging the imperfect nature of his current playing 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," he admitted.

Stanisic shed light on the challenges he faced, having joined the team later and contending with illness during a crucial clash against Bayern on Matchday 4. He commended Odilon Kossounou's stellar performance, highlighting the formidable trio formed with Edmond Tapsoba and Jonathan Tah at the heart of the defence.

The Croatian defender, known for his resilience, asserted that sulking isn't in his play-book. Despite acknowledging his low mood on certain days, he emphasized his commitment to contributing positively when given the opportunity. "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," he declared.

With an eye on the horizon, Stanisic recognizes a potential turning point in his playing time. The impending absence of Kossounou and Tapsoba, who are set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations from January 13 to February 11, opens the door for Stanisic to step into a more prominent role.

"I'm just someone who always wants to play," he affirmed, encapsulating his unwavering determination to contribute significantly to Bayer Leverkusen's campaign. 

As the loan spell unfolds, Stanisic's story becomes emblematic of the challenges and resilience that define a footballer's journey, reminding fans that success is often forged through persistence and dedication.