"It wasn't always easy" – Andrich reflects on losing captaincy and falling down Leverkusen pecking order

Robert Andrich, the 32-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, has reflected on his struggles since the arrival of new manager Carles Martinez last summer. Under Martinez, Andrich lost the captaincy to Edmond Tapsoba and has seen his playing time reduced to just 127 minutes in three matches this season. Speaking to Sky Germany, Andrich admitted that adjusting to his new situation was not easy, especially mentally.

"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," he said. However, Andrich emphasized that it is a part of the job to handle such changes professionally. He is now focused on fighting his way back into the starting lineup. "I’ve accepted the situation and acknowledged that, from a sporting perspective, things are a little more difficult for the time being," Andrich stated.

He added, "At the same time, I told myself: I have no choice but to work hard and make myself impossible to ignore. And those who aspire to be regular starters have to deliver performances when they know there’s someone behind them waiting for their chance."