Kai Havertz opens up on injuries/covid, being homesick, settling in a new league, and vows to play better now

The German international says now is the time for him to show what he can do

Kai Havertz says now is the time for him to put behind his struggles and really announce himself as a Chelsea player.

The German international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Leverkusen this summer in a big money deal worth about £71 million.

At just 21-years of age he had shown his quality and had basically every big club in world football scouting him closely. Chelsea acted fast and sealed their man.

Since he arrived at the club though, his Chelsea career has been stuttering on and off, and we have yet to really see his quality albeit in little pockets.

But there is so much to factor into this story as well as the fact he was a young lad moving countries, playing in a new league, and being away from his entire family.

He also suffered more than some with Covid-19 and took a while to get over it, as well as having a host of little niggling injuries to contend with.

It’s easy for us as fans to just see a player and forget the human side of things, but Havertz has been opening up about the issues he has faced this season since arriving in England.

“For me it has been difficult to change everything,” Havertz said.

“It’s hard for me, but I’m six months here and getting used to the place, to the country.

“I hope that I will see my family soon. It’s tough for me, I’ve always loved spending time with them.

“It has not been the right time to spend some time with them. But it’s not only me, there are thousands of other people in an even worse situation than me.

“It isn’t an excuse for me. I will give my best.”

In the last couple of matches we are really starting to see the signs of Havertz’ real quality on the pitch and what he can bring.

He looks a lot more confident and focused, and Thomas Tuchel has rewarded him with two starts in the last two - and he’s played well.

Havertz says now is the time for him to start playing well, which will be music to the ears of Chelsea fans who know exactly what he is capable of, and we certainly need him at this business end of the season.

“Corona is now over, I feel good,” said Havertz.

“I had a little injury in the past few weeks, but it’s now time to play good.

“I have to improve my game. It’s not been easy for me, but there are no excuses.

“I just have to keep on working and hopefully there will be a big turnaround soon, but I will give it my best.

Written by Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport)