Andrich Addresses Transfer Rumors and Leadership Role at Leverkusen
Robert Andrich has heard the rumours. He just isn’t interested in feeding them.
Speaking to Kicker.de, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder made it clear he sees no reason to push for a move while he feels trusted and valued at the club.
"Of course, I pick up on it through a few channels," he said of the transfer speculation. "But externally it's not just about me being talked about, but also about others. As long as I don't have the feeling that the club wants to get rid of me – and I don't have that feeling right now – I don't concern myself with a transfer."
No drama. No flirting with the market. Just a firm message from a senior figure in a dressing room that has had more than enough turbulence over the past year.
Captaincy question: Andrich ready to be “number one”
The 29-year-old also addressed his leadership role, sounding every bit like a man who expects to keep the captain’s armband but knows the final call is out of his hands.
"I see myself as number one as soon as I'm confirmed in that role," he said. "Of course, I'm assuming for now that I'll remain captain. I haven't heard anything else yet. But until nothing is officially communicated, anything can still happen."
The hierarchy is not entirely fixed. Andrich namechecked Edmond Tapsoba as the other main contender.
"Eddy [Tapsoba] and I have worn the armband last – it could be decided between us."
It’s a calm, pragmatic assessment rather than a power play, yet the message is unmistakable: Andrich feels ready to lead, and he believes he’s earned that trust.
From chaos to calm under Carles Martinez Novell
His words land in a very different atmosphere to the one that engulfed Leverkusen last summer.
Xabi Alonso’s departure triggered a chaotic spell in the dugout. Erik ten Hag lasted only three matches before being replaced by Kasper Hjulmand, who has since also moved on. The churn on the touchline seeped into the dressing room, leaving uncertainty and unrest.
Now, under new manager Carles Martinez Novell, the mood has shifted. The noise has dropped. The temperature in the room is lower.
Within the Werkself camp, the feeling is of a group finally allowed to breathe again.
"We currently have a very good atmosphere in the team; there's no unrest like there was last summer, when there were so many changes," Andrich explained.
That contrast matters. A year ago, Leverkusen were constantly firefighting off the pitch. This time, the focus is where it should be: on performances, standards, and how the team responds when the game turns against them.
Learning to “strike back” when it gets tough
Andrich knows the real test of a squad’s character doesn’t come when they’re cruising. It comes in those ugly 15–20 minute spells when pressure mounts and structure frays.
"In difficult phases, we need to stick together more in the future – and put ourselves in a position to simply strike back after 15, 20 tough minutes," he said.
That is the challenge he’s setting for this group: not just to avoid collapse when momentum swings, but to hit back quickly and decisively.
Leverkusen have their new coach, a quieter dressing room, and a captain-in-waiting who has nailed his colours to the mast. The speculation can swirl outside. Inside, Andrich has drawn his line: he stays, he leads, and he expects this team to respond when the next storm hits.
