Andrich focused on Leverkusen stay: "I'm assuming for now that I'll remain captain" | OneFootball

Despite rumours over his future as a Bayer Leverkusen player, Robert Andrich is aware of them but remains focused on gearing up for the new Bundesliga season.

“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," the midfielder told Kicker.de.

“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,” he added. 

Regarding the role of captain, Andrich still sees himself as fit to lead the squad. The 31-year-old knows where Leverkusen must improve if they are to better last season's performance.

"I see myself as number one [choice for captain] as soon as I'm confirmed in that role. 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.”

“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. 

“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 concluded.