Leverkusen chief makes claim over Havertz struggles at Chelsea

Much was expected from the man for whom the Blues splashed €80m in the summer, but he has failed to deliver on those so far.

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes claims it is only a matter of time before Kai Havertz develops into a “world-class” at Chelsea.

Havertz became one of the most sought-after players in Europe after a series of eye-catching performances for Leverkusen last season.

The Germany international contributed 18 goals and nine assists in his farewell season in Bundesliga before moving to the Premier League on a big-money transfer in September 2020.

Struggling to adapt to his new environment, he has since seemed a shadow of his previous self. The 21-year-old midfielder has found the net just once in his 17 Premier League appearances and has largely been unable to justify his hefty €80 million price tag.

Havertz, however, has now been backed to get back to his best and come good at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s always difficult if you change country and a little bit of a different style. That’s the same if we sign players,” Rolfes told Stats Perform News, via Sportsmax.

“Some players need two days, some guys need half a year. You have to have in mind when you sign players, that not everybody is directly from the first day there.

“I’ve followed Chelsea a little bit from a distance, but it’s not only Kai or Timo Werner struggling a little bit, it’s also the team – they expected more from the whole squad.

“That’s not so easy if it’s not working in the team and you come in as a new player. It’s much easier if the team is working and you step in your best position.

“That’s a process for Kai, to adapt to England and the Premier League. There is no doubt Kai is a fantastic player and has all the ability to play on the world-class level and although it’s probably not his best six months, there is no doubt in my opinion.”