A summer of huge change at Leverkusen has seen Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz all depart. Erik ten Hag's new era requires a new captain and it seems like the coach already has a favourite.
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Robert Andrich has emerged as a strong candidate for the Leverkusen armband during pre-season. New coach Erik ten Hag has been keen to give him the opportunity and it could well be that he's the first choice for the role of club captain.
"It's a sign," said ten Hag when asked about the possibility of Andrich continuing to wear the armband ahead of the new Bundesliga season, as he has done in recent friendlies.
The former Union Berlin midfield destroyer has taken on more importance in midfield since Ten Hag's arrival. He has been the key communicator and a loud presence for his team-mates, all of which has impressed the new Leverkusen coach, with whom he also frequently communicates on the pitch.
"He's a leader. You can see it. He communicates. He's present. He's a role model for the team," said Ten Hag on Andrich's influence as a player and team-mate.
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Following the departures of Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah as well as Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, it's clear that a new leadership group will be formed at the Bay Arena.
As for Andrich himself, he hasn't shied away from the prospect of taking on the Leverkusen armband full-time.
He said: "It always feels good to wear the armband. You can get used to it."
Leverkusen continue their pre-season friendlies with a tie against Italian side Pisa on 5 August before concluding their preparation with a game against Chelsea on 8 August. The new season starts with DFB Cup first-round action against Sonnenhof Großaspach on 15 August and their Bundesliga campaign gets underway on 23 August against Hoffenheim.