Andrich: It’s normal to be louder at times

Ahead of the first match in the second half of the season in Berlin on Saturday, 8 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Robert Andrich talked to the media on Wednesday about…

…his thoughts ahead of the match: I’m really looking forward to seeing familiar faces – including players, coaching and other staff. I would have liked to welcome the travelling fans from Berlin alongside our own. Unfortunately, that’s not possible due to the current situation.

…the position on the pitch ahead of the clash between the teams lying fourth and seventh in the Bundesliga: We had the chance to get a breather over Christmas and now we’re starting again straightaway with a cracker. For us, it will be about standing up to Union’s physical and battling approach from the first minute and showing our quality on the pitch.

…the development of the team from Berlin, now in their third season in the Bundesliga since being promoted to Germany’s top flight in the summer of 2019: Union are having a very decent season as expected. They have also dealt very with playing in Europe (in the Europa League for the first time, ed.). Now you can say they are an established part of the Bundesliga. A key role is played by their coach Urs Fischer. Week by week, he succeeds in getting his lads onto the pitch as a unit regardless of which players are available. That’s typical of Union.

…his current relationship with its former Union Berlin teammates: I had two great years at Union and definitely didn't leave under a cloud. Although there's no regular contact any more, you don't forget about it. I've sent messages to Urs Fischer from time to time and congratulated him on wins in Europe and the derby victory against Hertha. I'm also in contact with Niko Gießelmann.

…The differences and parallels between the Union and Leverkusen styles of play: Of course, we want to have more of the ball and be proactive in the game. But one thing the two sides have in common is the great significance of compact defending and fast transition.

…his role in the Werkself squad: I try to take my teammates with me in my way. I think I can encourage one or two with the way I express myself, either one-to-one or in front of the whole team. It's completely normal to be louder at times. That's part and parcel of it. We are just trying to make every player better. We have so many lads with incredible potential. So it's a case of teasing it out of every individual player.

…aggression on the pitch: We have to be smarter in challenges in certain situations. Fouls are part of football. We have to be more more direct and aggressive. We've talked about it and hopefully that's clear to everybody.