Kai Havertz has admitted that he wants to repay Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s faith in him next season.
The forward was preferred upfront for the second half of the season, with club-record signing Romelu Lukaku dropped.
Scoring 14 goals in all competitions, Havertz ended the season as the second highest goalscorer for Tuchel’s side.
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Being trusted in the central role of a front three, Havertz will be hoping to add to his numbers in the new season.
The German will link up with new Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling next season, with the England international also capable of playing centrally.
The pair will most likely make up two of Tuchel’s front three after Sterling’s arrival from Manchester City for £50 million.
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When asked by The Athletic if Tuchel’s faith in the striker has helped him, Havertz admitted: “Of course.
“It is always good for a striker and for me as well (to know that).
“I’m still young. I need to get that confidence from the coach. I need his trust, sometimes in the bad times, too. He has always given me that trust in the last couple of years. In every match, I want to repay the trust.
“You always feel the responsibility when you play. Hopefully, it is going to be a better year than last year.”
The German then continued to discuss his role in depth, operating as what Tuchel has previously described as a “9.5”, differing to that of Lukaku when the Belgian was in the side last season.
“I’ve played a lot of positions over the years but last season, I played a lot as a No 9 and it’s a position I like very much,” he continued.
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“If I look back four years ago, I could never have imagined playing there.
“It’s still good that I am flexible and can play different positions up front, but I am there to score goals and make assists, and as a No 9, you have to do that and link up with players.”
Chelsea fans will be hoping that Havertz can grow into the role as they look to challenge on all fronts once again next season.
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With Tuchel opting to offload Lukaku on a season-long loan to Inter Milan, Havertz will most likely be the main man upfront for the Blues as they head into the new campaign.
Timo Werner, Michy Batshuayi and Armando Broja could also play in this role, with it unclear as to what the future holds for the trio who could challenge Havertz for the role next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Kai Havertz, Thomas Tuchel, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms