Last season, the talented homegrown Bayern Munich player Josip Stanišić made a significant move from the iconic white and red colors of Bavaria to the striking black and red of Bayer Leverkusen. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in leading his team to triumph over his parent club while securing all the major domestic trophies. Now, back in Bayern’s traditional colors, Stanišić reflects on how his year in Leverkusen was instrumental in his remarkable growth as a player, both on and off the pitch.

“It was a huge leap for my career. Not only did I get the opportunity to play extensively and develop my skills, but I also experienced life outside my home in Munich. Living independently allowed me to see new perspectives and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The leap in my development was enormous,” the Croatian defender explained (via @iMiaSanMia). “A new version of Josip was created through this journey, one that had never existed before. It was a very successful year with two titles, marking a significant step in my maturation as a professional athlete.”

A transformative experience, indeed! It sounds almost like a metamorphosis, comparable to a character from a classic tale. However, it was not a whimsical transformation but rather the influence of Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen that shaped his development: “Not every game presents the same challenges in football; the requirements are always distinct. [Alonso] has an exceptional understanding of the game and the opponents we face, which is crucial,” Stanišić praised (via @iMiaSanMia). “Tactically, he refined Leverkusen into a well-oiled machine where every player knows their role. With the wealth of knowledge he gained from many great coaches throughout his career, his success is no mere coincidence.”

However, that impressive success story must be put on hold this Saturday. Perhaps Alonso’s formidable former defender could turn out to be a key factor in his downfall during the much-anticipated clash between these two rivals.

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