Robert Andrich vows to fight back at Leverkusen after losing captaincy

The 32-year-old lost the captain's armband to Edmond Tapsoba after Carles Martinez took charge last summer. He has played just 127 minutes across three appearances this season after previously enjoying regular football under Xabi Alonso and Kasper Hjulmand.

"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," Andrich told Sky Germany.

"But that's part of the job, and you have to deal with it professionally."

Andrich has accepted that his position has changed, but he remains determined to earn more playing time through hard work and strong performances.

"I've accepted the situation and acknowledged that, from a sporting perspective, things are a little more difficult for the time being," he said.

"At the same time, I told myself: I have no choice but to work hard and make myself impossible to ignore."

Leverkusen face Mainz away at the Mewa Arena on Saturday, with Andrich hoping to strengthen his case for a return to the starting line-up.