Kai Havertz’s second season
KAI HAVERTZ’S SECOND SEASON
“To be honest, I don’t give a f** k about that right now – we’ve just won the f** king Champions League...”
Havertz was in a bullishly jubilant mood after May’s victory over Manchester City in Lisbon. Pitchside, and not for the first time last season, Chelsea’s match- winner had just been asked about his £ 72m transfer fee live on TV by reporter Des Kelly, who could only respond with a sly grin to the camera and apologise for the “fruity” language.
Beneath the bluster, though, there was some meaning to Havertz’s declaration – an up- yours response to those who made his tough transition to Chelsea that little bit harder. Because if football is a game of two halves, then the 22- year- old German’s first season at Stamford Bridge reflected the old adage perfectly. A sluggish start matched that of his club, and by the time Havertz contracted COVID- 19 in early November, the young midfielder – previously renowned for his terrific scoring levels at Bayer Leverkusen, for whom he’d thumped home 38 over the previous two seasons – had netted just one goal in his opening nine Premier League and Champions League appearances.
To add to fans’ scepticism, Havertz’s best position remained unclear – in September, he’d been dragged off at half- time in a poor defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, having started as Chelsea’s main striker up front.
Blues boss Frank Lampard pleaded patience following his player’s return from isolation in late November. It had been a “severe” case of the virus, said Lampard, with a significant “physical fallout”. What’s more, the player was away from his family for the first time ever. Regaining fitness while adapting to life in a new country was a tough introduction in west London. The support from his manager was appreciated – but Lamps wasn’t around to defend him for much longer.
Results had been underwhelming in the league, and the Englishman was sacked in late January 2021 – replaced by former Borussia Dortmund and PSG boss Thomas Tuchel. Lampard had been an important factor in Havertz choosing Chelsea in the summer, a kindred spirit in terms of playing style – but that managerial change would spark his, and Chelsea’s season, into life.
Despite the Liverpool calamity, Havertz was instantly installed as Chelsea’s go- to centre- forward: a false nine tasked with dropping into midfield and stretching play with runs behind the defence. His intelligent movement and creativity helped his Blues team- mates flourish, and played a key role in helping Tuchel’s side secure their eventual top- four finish.
“I play somewhere upfront – No. 9, No. 10, something in between,” Havertz said, likely not even sure himself, before the Champions League final. “I feel very good there. I think it’s the perfect position for me.”
He proved that in the most emphatic way possible, the midfielder’s winner against Manchester City capping a fine turnaround in the second half of the season under his compatriot Tuchel. In that moment, any talk of fees or fitness issues, any lingering doubts over his ability to succeed in England, were expunged there and then. Fickle, perhaps, but in reality merely confirming what most of us thought about Havertz originally: that in time, Chelsea will have a fine player on their hands.
Now it’s time to kick on. Back to full fitness with a manager who knows how to get the best out of him, and in a team that appears to be far better placed to challenge, 2021- 22 promises to be Havertz’s breakout year in English football.
“The first year wasn’t very easy for me, but I think I’m getting better and better, getting more confident,” he reflected, echoing the thoughts of every Blue anticipating a big year ahead. They’ve got every right to.
The Aachen native will be desperate to improve on his tally of nine goals in 45 appearances, only four of which arrived in the Premier League. But with his difficult spell already behind him, Chelsea’s European hero knows blue skies lie ahead. Just don’t ask him about that f** king price tag.
“THE FIRST YEAR WASN’T EASY FOR ME, BUT I THINK THAT I’M GETTING BETTER AND MORE CONFIDENT”