Andrich’s World Cup Chances Under Nagelsmann: A Closer Look

Robert Andrich’s World Cup squad ambitions remain a hot topic as Germany prepares for the upcoming tournament under Julian Nagelsmann. The Bayer Leverkusen captain, once a regular starter, now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place among the nation’s elite.

Robert Andrich’s Journey with Nagelsmann

Robert Andrich was a key figure for Germany during the home European Championship under Julian Nagelsmann, starting regularly and playing a pivotal role. Since Nagelsmann’s appointment as national team manager, Andrich saw his international career revitalized, benefitting from the coach’s tactical system. His performances at Bayer Leverkusen, especially during their unbeaten championship campaign alongside Granit Xhaka, mirrored the midfield role Nagelsmann envisaged for him with the national team next to stars like Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gündogan.

Recent Setbacks for the DFB Star

However, Andrich’s World Cup hopes have dimmed in recent months. After featuring in every Germany match from November 2023 to late 2024, his international minutes dwindled to just 17 since the Nations League quarter-final against Italy. Omitted from squad camps in November 2025 and March 2026, Andrich’s prospects appeared slim.

His changing role at Leverkusen under Kasper Hjulmand, shifting from midfield anchor to centre-back in a back three, further complicates his national team chances. Germany’s center-back spots are filled by Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rüdiger, and Waldemar Anton, while competition in midfield includes Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, and the currently injured Felix Nmecha. If Nmecha is unavailable, Angelo Stiller or Anton Stach are next in line, making Andrich’s path to selection even narrower.

Performance at Club Level: Making His Case

Despite setbacks at the international level, Andrich remains indispensable for Bayer Leverkusen. He has delivered crucial goals, such as his decisive header in the Champions League round of 16 against Arsenal and a long-range winner versus Borussia Dortmund. Even after Leverkusen’s 2-0 DFB-Pokal semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich, Andrich voiced his determination: “I haven’t booked a holiday yet. I want to be there and I believe I have something to offer the team.”

Human Qualities and Team Spirit

Andrich’s appeal goes beyond tactics. Reports suggest Nagelsmann values his positive influence and team-oriented mentality, crucial traits for a long World Cup campaign. Nagelsmann himself emphasized the importance of squad harmony: “At the World Cup, we’ll be sharing the same environment for eight or nine weeks, so personal compatibility is essential. Everyone has to get on well; we have to function on the pitch, but also off it.” Andrich’s willingness to step into a super-sub or squad role may work in his favor despite the fierce competition.

Andrich’s World Cup Selection: Final Thoughts

As the tournament approaches, Andrich continues to impress at club level and retains hope for a late call-up. His experience, versatility, and leadership remain assets, but the depth of Germany’s squad and his changed position at Leverkusen make his inclusion uncertain. Still, his mentality and adaptability could prove vital in a World Cup environment where squad unity often matters as much as talent.

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Opinion: Andrich Deserves a Spot

Given his proven reliability, leadership, and strong performances for Bayer Leverkusen, Andrich should remain on Nagelsmann’s radar. While tactical preferences and positional shifts pose challenges, his attitude and team-first approach could be invaluable at the World Cup. In high-pressure tournaments, players like Andrich—who lift morale and adapt to any role—often become the difference makers in a squad.