Andrich says Bayer Leverkusen captaincy change is not so negative as he fights for role

Robert Andrich does not want Bayer Leverkusen's change of captain to become a major issue, but he is not prepared to quietly accept a reduced role.

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For me, this is not as negative as it may have been portrayed.

“For me, this is not as negative as it may have been portrayed,” the former captain told Sky after Leverkusen's 4-0 win over Union Berlin, his 200th competitive appearance for the club. New coach Carles Martínez chose Edmond Tapsoba as the team's new captain before the season.

Andrich said he understood the decision. “I believe a captain should spend most of the time on the pitch. If the coach thinks I may play a little less this year than last year, that is completely okay for me,” he said.

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I believe a captain should spend most of the time on the pitch. If the coach thinks I may play a little less this year than last year, that is completely okay for me.

The 31-year-old, who has won 19 caps for Germany, had also been encouraged to consider a move because of the possibility of less playing time. “With the sporting ambitions I have, it is of course not easy when you hear that you will initially play a supporting role,” Andrich said. “But as you can see, I am still here in Leverkusen. I will not give in and say, ‘Well, then that is how it is.’ I am still angry when I do not play.”

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With the sporting ambitions I have, it is of course not easy when you hear that you will initially play a supporting role.

Andrich described it as “the most unsettled preseason ever” and said communication with Martínez could improve. He also urged people to stop focusing solely on the relationship between him and the coach. Leverkusen supporters gave him strong applause when he came on in the 70th minute at the BayArena.

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I am still angry when I do not play.