Ahead of top match in Leipzig: Interview with captains Andrich and Raum

This top match is a head-to-head clash for qualifying for European competitions. If RB Leipzig win, the gap will grow to six points. If Bayer 04 win on the road, they will draw level on points.

Andrich: We have to put in a top performance, it's going to be hard work. We want to give everything we've got before the short winter break and make sure we don't let them get into dangerous transitional moments. At the same time, we want to put our stamp on the game.

Raum: Of course, we want to avoid that. It would feel bad to go into the winter break with a defeat. Leverkusen are in a great position, they can win a lot, but we want to hold on to our spot and make amends after the game in Berlin. We'll do everything we can to achieve that.

What is your team currently doing better than the opposition?

Andrich: It's safe to say that both teams have a clear game plan. We feel very comfortable in possession and are strong in terms of moving the ball and positioning. Leipzig like it when they win the ball and quickly counter.

Raum: I think we are relatively similar. Both teams play well and have strong individual players. Overall, I think we're a bit more compact and defensively more solid.

You are both players who sometimes get vocal on the pitch. How do you deal with this in a head-to-head encounter?

Andrich: I think if we were both rushing towards the referee, we'd have to stifle our laughter. But of course, we both want to win for our team on the pitch, so friendship is put to one side.

Raum: I've already got four yellow cards, I'll definitely keep my mouth shut!(laughs) But it could get funny when it comes to choosing a position, that's where it starts. I think it's more of a cool situation between us because we've had a similar path and have both worked hard for our positions. That's why we really appreciate each other and try to push our own people rather than each other. Unless, of course, the other one goes completely off the rails.

What footballing strengths do you particularly value in each other?

Andrich: With David, you know what you're getting - and I mean that in an absolutely positive way. His mentality carries the lads along with him. The captain's armband suits him perfectly. And then, of course, there's his quality: his crosses are incredibly difficult to defend. He drives forward tirelessly.

Raum: Rob brings an incredible calmness to the game and the mentality you need in games like this. He's a leader on the pitch. And what many people underestimate: He's not just a mentality player, he also has huge quality on the ball. We absolutely mustn't let him shoot.

Is there a secret talent that the public doesn't know about?

Andrich: David has an amazing talent for ordering things.(laughs) He's extremely inventive when it comes to what you can order online. That's definitely a talent.

Raum: Rob is great at making sauna infusions. With the towel waving technique and everything - he does it incredibly well.

What's the situation in your famous WhatsApp group with Joshua Kimmich? Does it get heated before a game like this?

Andrich: No, not at all. It's generally not such a regular exchange. But Jo Kimmich will probably be the first to get in touch after the game.

Raum: Or the one who wins. Apart from that, the group really only consists of Rob and me writing something and Jo correcting our German. I keep hearing from him about the difference between 'seid' and 'seit'.