Andrich doesn't see the change of captain at Leverkusen as a problem

Robert Andrich sees no reason to make a big issue out of the change in the captaincy at Bayer Leverkusen. “For me, it’s not as negative as it might be portrayed,” said the ex-captain on Sky after his 200th competitive game for the Werkself in the 4-0 win against Union Berlin. Before the season, Leverkusen's new coach Carles Martínez decided on Edmond Tapsoba as the new captain.

«I am of the opinion that a captain should be on the pitch most of the time. And if the coach thinks that this year it will perhaps be a little less for me than last year, then it's completely okay for me," emphasized Andrich. In addition to giving up the captain's armband, the 19-time German international was also advised to make a change in view of a possible shorter playing time.

Andrich doesn't want to accept a supporting role

“With the sporting ambitions that I have, it is of course not so easy when you hear that you are initially playing a supporting role,” said the 31-year-old. “But as you can see, I'm still here in Leverkusen and I'm not going to surrender now and say: Yes, that's just the way it is. I'm still angry when I don't play." For him it was “the most restless preparation for the season ever,” he emphasized.

At the same time, Andrich admitted that communication with Martínez could get even better and also made it clear: “I think we should now really slowly move away from only talking about me and with the coach and me.” Andrich can rely on the support of the fans anyway. When he came on as a substitute in the 70th minute, the midfielder was greeted with huge applause on the pitch at the BayArena.