Andrich Vows To Fight For His Leverkusen Place

Robert Andrich has admitted that losing his starting place and the Bayer Leverkusen captaincy was difficult to accept, but insists he has no intention of giving up his fight under Carles Martínez.

The midfielder, who was one of Leverkusen's most important players only last season, has found himself in an unfamiliar position following a summer in which his future at the club was uncertain.

Speaking to Sky Sport, Andrich acknowledged the frustration but made clear that he intends to win his place back through performances rather than reputation.

From Captain To The Bench

Andrich's situation has changed considerably in just a few months.

He entered the summer as Leverkusen's captain, having featured regularly during the previous campaign. But Martínez's arrival brought a different midfield hierarchy, with the German informed that he would initially have to accept a reduced role.

Edmond Tapsoba subsequently inherited the captaincy, while Andrich was left outside the new leadership group.

In August, Leverkusen were prepared to consider offers for the midfielder, with RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt among the interested clubs.

Ultimately, he stayed.

Now Andrich has spoken about the personal difficulty of that transition.

He admitted that the beginning of the season was particularly challenging mentally, especially after wearing the armband and playing almost every week.

But he also accepts that his previous status cannot guarantee him anything under a new coach.

Andrich Sends A Message To His Competition

Andrich's latest comments were not simply an acceptance of his situation.

They also contained a clear challenge to the players currently ahead of him.

He added that those who consider themselves regular starters must continue performing when they know another player is waiting for an opportunity.

It is a competitive message, but not an attack on Martínez or his teammates.

Andrich understands that he cannot demand a place because of what he achieved under Xabi Alonso. He has to demonstrate why he still belongs in the team.

The Relationship With Martínez Is Improving

There have already been indications that his position is changing.

As reported in September, Andrich made his first competitive start of the season in Leverkusen's Europa League victory over NK Celje, playing the full match.

Afterwards, he described his relationship with Martínez as improving, suggesting the two were gradually finding a better understanding.

That represented progress from the summer, when Andrich appeared likely to leave.

But one appearance was never going to restore his old position automatically.

A Chance To Change The Situation

Leverkusen now faces seven competitive matches in 22 days, beginning with Saturday's trip to Mainz.

That schedule will require Martínez to use his squad, and Andrich has the experience to contribute in midfield or defence when called upon.

The question is whether he can turn those opportunities into a more permanent role.

Andrich has already made his decision about how to approach the situation. He stayed when a departure was possible, accepted the loss of his captaincy and is now determined to make himself difficult to leave out.

He is no longer guaranteed a place in Leverkusen's starting XI.

But he is not prepared to surrender it without a fight.

From here the stage only gets bigger.