Robert Andrich reveals he “used to hate” good friend Joshua Kimmich

Robert Andrich has opened up about his special friendship with Joshua Kimmich, admitting that he “used to hate” the Bayern midfielder.

Over the years, Bayer Leverkusen’s Robert Andrich and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich have developed a true friendship, with their families even going on holidays together.

However, as Andrich revealed in an interview appearing in Wednesday’s edition of Sport Bild, he hasn’t always thought highly about the Germany captain.

“During my second and third training camps with the DFB, our relationship developed more and more. Something that might be quite funny in this context: I once told Joshua, ‘I don’t know why, but I hated you.’ He responded, ‘Hate is a tough word,’” Andrich said.

“Many friends still ask me today how it’s possible that we get along so well. Often, people form an impression before they really get to know someone. That was the case with Josh; I had prejudices – which isn’t good. It’s a fitting example of how, as footballers, we often give a different impression on the pitch than in real life,” added the midfielder, who made his Germany debut in 2023.

Asked what exactly he disliked about Kimmich, Andrich responded:

“We’re both the type of guys who look very intense during the game; there’s less laughing. What bothered me about him was that on the pitch he quickly came across as negative when something didn’t go his way. Not everyone likes that; I didn’t at first. Maybe because you always hope the Bayern might stumble. In a way, that’s really just an expression of respect. Over the years, they’ve earned it.”

The friendship will be put to the test this Saturday, when Andrich and Leverkusen face Kimmich and Bayern at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga.