Josip Stanišic was born in Munich, represents Croatia and is at home at Bayern. The defender spoke to members’ magazine ‘51’ about his background, hard work, setbacks and his journey from his boyhood club to winning titles.
Interview with Josip Stanišić
Josip, you’re a Munich boy but your parents are from Croatia. How much of Croatia is in you?
Josip Stanišić: “I’d say I'm a good mix. I feel very connected to Croatia through my family. I always spent my holidays there with my family. That's still the case today. Whenever I have the opportunity, I go there. Croatia is home to me, just like Munich. I was born and raised here, have many friends here and now also my own little family.”
You grew up in Perlach, not far from Säbener Straße.
“I felt very happy there and had a wonderful childhood. Football played a major role from an early age. I played for FC Perlach and spent every spare minute I had out on the football pitch.”
What values did your parents instil in you?
“That family comes first. And never give up, always keep going. My dad left for work at five o'clock every morning and came back in the afternoon, and in his free time he always drove me everywhere. My mum also had a tough job, but she was always there for me and my sister, even if I was still hungry at ten o'clock in the evening. As a child, you take that for granted. Over time, you learn to appreciate everything your parents have done for you. That feeling of family, of being there for each other, has shaped me.”
Your father is even said to have had a trial with Bayern.
“That's right, he was 16 or 17 years old at the time. But he never really told me about it. One thing that’s for certain is that he’s always been a Bayern fan and often went to the stadium. As a referee, he was able to get tickets, and sometimes he would stand in the cold for hours in front of the Allianz Arena to get one. When Ivica Olić scored the winning goal against Manchester United [in the Champions League quarter-final in March 2010], he was also in the stadium. There's a photo of Olić tearing off his shirt after the goal, and in the background you can see my dad cheering in the stands. I definitely inherited my love for Bayern from him.”
Your journey to get here hasn't been straightforward. You've had injuries and had to take detours. How has that affected you?
“It made me stronger and showed me that I can come back and succeed despite adversity. Stephan Beckenbauer wanted to bring me to Bayern when I was 12, but I stayed with 1860 because I thought it would be easier to turn professional there. After the U15s, I wasn't taken on there anymore. After that decision, I sat next to my father in the car and thought he would be totally sad, but he hugged me and cheered me up. Chin up, you can still make it! I'll never forget that. I then moved to Fürstenfeldbruck. And a year and a half later, I was scouted by Bayern again. Then it worked out.”
At 25, I've already achieved a lot that I never thought possible before. But I wouldn't say that I'm already at the top.Josip Stanišić
What skills have got you to where you are today?
“A little talent, but above all perseverance, hard work and belief in myself. Luck plays a part too, of course. You have to be given opportunities and then make the most of them.”
Are there any moments during your time at Bayern that have been particularly significant for you?
“There have been a few, of course, since the U17s. I became captain of the U19s and won the 3. Liga title with the reserves in 2020. But above all, I think of my first game under Julian Nagelsmann in August 2021. He put his trust in me, and I performed well and fought my way into the team. Hardly anyone had expected that. A few weeks earlier, I had almost transferred. Fortunately, things turned out differently. The next step came in 2023 with my loan move to Leverkusen, where I developed a lot as a player and as a person.”
You've been back at Bayern for a year and a half now. What’s your role in the team like at the moment?
“I do believe that people saw me differently after my return from Leverkusen. But for me personally, not much has changed. I'm still the same person; I just want to get better every year and take on more responsibility. I'm ready for more.”
You are now 25, a five-time Bundesliga champion, a DFB Cup winner, third place at a World Cup. What do you think when you look at your autograph card?
“To be honest, I've never really thought about it much. I'm someone who always says to himself that there's more to come. There are many players, especially here at Bayern, who have achieved much more. They’re my role models. But of course, when you look at it with a bit of distance, you can say it’s quite impressive. At 25, I've already achieved a lot that I never thought possible before. But I wouldn't say that I'm already at the top. That's why I generally prefer to look ahead rather than back.”
If little Josip were stood in front of you now, what would you say to him?
“Believe in yourself! The journey is worth it, no matter how difficult it is. In the end, you’ll be proud of yourself.”
You can read the full interview in the February edition of ‘51’
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