Robert Andrich determined to regain Leverkusen place after captaincy loss

Robert Andrich says he is determined to force his way back into the Bayer Leverkusen team after losing the captaincy and falling down the midfield pecking order.

The 32-year-old lost the armband to Edmond Tapsoba after Carles Martinez took charge last summer. Andrich has made only three appearances this season, totalling 127 minutes, having previously been a regular under Xabi Alonso and Kasper Hjulmand.

He admitted the change in his status had been difficult, particularly after captaining the side and playing in almost every match last year.

“Mentally, it wasn’t always easy, especially at the beginning of the season – particularly when you were captain last year and played almost every game,” Andrich told Sky Germany.

“But that’s part of the job, and you have to deal with it professionally.”

Andrich said he had come to terms with his reduced role but accepted that he currently faced a tougher challenge to earn opportunities.

“I’ve accepted the situation and acknowledged that, from a sporting perspective, things are a little more difficult for the time being,” he said.

“At the same time, I told myself: I have no choice but to work hard and make myself impossible to ignore.”

The midfielder now hopes to improve his prospects through his attitude in training and his performances when selected. His immediate chance to strengthen his case comes when Leverkusen travel to face Mainz at the Mewa Arena on Saturday.

Andrich’s limited involvement this season contrasts with the prominent role he held under the club’s previous managers. The captaincy change has added to the alteration in his position since Martinez’s arrival last summer, with Tapsoba now leading the team on the pitch.

Despite the setback, Andrich has not indicated that he intends to accept a peripheral role. Instead, he says his response will be to work harder and give the coaching staff no reason to overlook him when selection decisions are made.

Leverkusen will visit Mainz with Andrich hoping to earn a return to the starting line-up and begin rebuilding his place in the team.