Bayer Leverkusen are navigating a significant transition under new head coach Carles Martinez, and the early signs are positive on the pitch. A 4-0 DFB-Pokal first-round win at Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday got their competitive season off to a convincing start, backing up a strong pre-season in which the Werkself won four of five friendlies, including victories over Newcastle United and Sevilla.

Off the pitch, the squad picture is more complicated. Martinez has shifted the system from a back three to a back four, and that change is costing captain Robert Andrich his place. According to kicker, the club has made clear to the 31-year-old midfielder that his prospects under the new setup are minimal and has encouraged him to seek a transfer. Andrich, who made 46 appearances last season and signed off with crucial goals against Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, still has two years left on his contract but appears set to leave. A move to Eintracht Frankfurt has not materialised, and a first spell abroad now looks the most likely outcome. Adding to the uncertainty, teenage midfield signing Kennet Eichhorn, brought in to fill that defensive role, has been diagnosed with a metabolic condition and his debut timeline remains unclear.

At the back, Leverkusen have held firm against external pressure. Arsenal made a verbal offer of 60 million euros plus bonuses for centre-back Jarell Quansah, who joined from Liverpool for 35 million euros last summer. The club rejected the approach outright, making plain that Quansah, contracted until 2030, is not for sale. Leverkusen travel to Elversberg in the Bundesliga on August 29 as they look to carry their early momentum into the league campaign.