Andrich reveals frustration with substitute role: “I get very angry”

Bayer Leverkusen’s Robert Andrich has revealed that his lack of playing time this season often makes him “very angry”.

Robert Andrich has admitted he’s frustrated with the role he’s played for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

The 29-year-old has largely been limited to cameos off the bench, with Exequiel Palacios and Granit Xhaka the preferred central midfield pairing for Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

But with Palacios now out for the foreseeable future, Andrich is suddenly needed. And not just in central midfield, but also in central defense, where he’s capable of playing as well.

In fact, that’s where he’s likely to play against Gladbach this weekend, with Odilon Kossounou and Edmond Tapsoba away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Jonathan Tah suspended.

“I come more from the bench or when there’s a need, like now. Of course, I don’t like it that much, but unfortunately it’s part of the business that you have to subordinate yourself,” Andrich told Kicker about his role this season.

“It’s not always easy. I’ll be honest about that. It’s often the case that I get very angry.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t help in the end. I can keep it inside, but I can’t show it out there. When I perform badly, it gets even worse than when I perform well.”

Therefore, the only thing that helps him is to stay focused and do everything he can to perform when he’s given the chance.

“It’s a mixture of being naturally angry and showing it a little bit, because that’s part of it, both from a human and sporting perspective. But when it comes down to it, you have to be there and perform.”

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