Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic recalls surprise call-up by Hansi Flick last season

On April 10th, 2021 Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic saw his footballing fortunes change.

Stanisic was unexpectedly called into action to play left-back against Union Berlin and was not overwhelmed by the moment. In fact, Stanisic was impressive against Die Eisernen.

“It came as a surprise, I really didn’t expect it. Fortunately, Hansi Flick only told me on the day of the match that I would play, and not the day before — the night would certainly have been a bit restless. I was very nervous, but no comparison to my father,” Stanisic joked with Bayern Munich’s club magazine “51”. “My mother told me that he couldn’t sit still anymore.”

Stanisic went on to play 90 minutes and look extremely good for a player, who had no idea he would be playing a vital role on the squad.

Of course, that experience was a sign of these to come for the cool, calm, and collected Croatian. Stanisic has proven to be a dependable and versatile option for Julian Nagelsmann this season.