Kai Havertz was the star of the show for Bayer Leverkusen last season but this campaign, he’s looked a shadow of his past self.
Many pundits have already suggested that the 21-year-old is a failed transfer but according to former Leverkusen coach Tayfun Korkut, Havertz needs to be conditioned off the pitch.
There have been some criticism about the playmaker’s efforts and appreciation for his new side but Korkut explains how the German shows little to no emotions – something which can often work against him.
“I am still behind what I said 100 per cent or even more,” Korkut tells Sky Sports. “There are maybe a lot of small pieces that can help to explain Kai’s performances for Chelsea so far. I am not looking to make excuses for him but we need to see the bigger picture here.”
“Kai never shows emotions and when things are not going well, that feels like a mistake. People say that he does not care and he does not fight. It is the culture in both England and Germany and it is what I was expecting if his performances were not at the level.
“This is typical and it is why he will probably never be the darling of the supporters because he is not someone who fights, but people really need to forget about that.
“Sometimes not showing your emotions can be in your favour and sometimes it can go against you.
“At the moment, I think it is going against him a little bit in the eyes of the supporters and the media. But I still think that it is not a problem of Kai, I think it is a general problem inside the club. He is 21 and this is the first time abroad.”
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“The more important thing is that he needs someone to support him in this moment when he is struggling. People are expecting big things and it is not so easy. He needs confidence.”
Last season, Kai Havertz scored 12 goals in 30 games for Leverkusen and he was supposed to be the next big star in the Premier League.
But up until now, the German international has managed to score just one goal 17 league appearances for the Blues and not once has been able to become the focal point in the Chelsea starting XI.
The Blues have brought in Thomas Tuchel, a man who can speak fluent German so many pundits are hoping that Kai Havertz will benefit from this. And that is perhaps the only thing which the 21-year-old needs right now, a manager who can show his constant faith by giving him uninterrupted game time.
