Andrich Dismisses Transfer Rumors and Eyes Captaincy at Leverkusen
Robert Andrich has heard the rumours. He just isn’t interested in entertaining them.
Speaking to Kicker.de, the Leverkusen midfielder acknowledged the noise around a possible departure but made it clear his focus remains firmly on the Werkself while he feels wanted inside the club.
"Of course, I pick up on it through a few channels, but externally it's not just about me being talked about, but also about others," he said. "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 transfer saga. No cryptic messages. Just a straightforward statement from a player who believes he still has a central role to play.
Captaincy question hangs in the air
That central role, in Andrich’s eyes, includes the armband.
"I see myself as number one as soon as I'm confirmed in that role," he explained when asked about the captaincy. "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. Eddy [Tapsoba] and I have worn the armband last – it could be decided between us."
It’s a candid admission from a senior figure who knows how quickly hierarchy can shift, especially at a club that has just come through a period of upheaval on the touchline.
From chaos to calm
Leverkusen’s bench has been a revolving door since Xabi Alonso’s departure. Erik ten Hag lasted only three matches before being replaced by Kasper Hjulmand, who has already moved on as well.
Now Carles Martinez Novell is the man in charge, and the mood, by all accounts, has changed.
Under the new coach, the dressing room is described as far more stable than during last summer’s turbulence. The constant churn has given way to something Leverkusen badly needed: a bit of calm.
Andrich feels that shift clearly.
"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," he said. "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."
That last line is revealing. It’s not just about harmony; it’s about resilience. About a squad that wants to respond to setbacks on the pitch instead of being dragged down by uncertainty off it.
The armband may yet be decided between Andrich and Tapsoba. The future of the squad under Martinez Novell will take shape over the coming months.
For now, Leverkusen have something they lacked not so long ago: a captain-in-waiting who isn’t looking for the exit and a dressing room finally starting to feel like solid ground again.
