
Kai Havertz shared his unique dream of being a “student in a cool city,” imagining a life away from the high-pressure environment of the Premier League and European competitions.
What Happened?
Havertz arrived with high expectations due to his impressive track record in Germany. However, his time at Chelsea was marked by inconsistency, with only 32 goals and 12 assists in 139 appearances. He then made a £65 million ($82 million) move to Arsenal.
The Bigger Picture
Initially, adapting to Mikel Arteta’s system and integrating into the new team dynamic was challenging for Havertz. Despite these hurdles, his performance improved significantly, ending the 2023-24 Premier League season with 13 goals in 37 appearances.
What Havertz Said
Havertz openly acknowledged the overwhelming pressure and scrutiny of top-flight football. Reflecting on his experiences, he admitted to moments when he longed for a simpler life away from the spotlight.
In an interview with Welt am Sonntag (via TZ), he said, “Sometimes I think to myself that I would rather be a student who lives in a cool city and lives his life. But that usually goes away pretty quickly because I love playing football. The hustle and bustle around it is part of it. That’s fun too, of course, more when things are going well. And if that’s not the case, things go extremely wrong. Then you are devastated and exhausted because there is ridicule and criticism. But I can now deal with it very well and try to live my life as normally as possible.”
Did You Know?
As Havertz heads into Euro 2024 with Germany, he does so with renewed confidence after evolving into a more traditional number nine. This transition began at Chelsea and has fully developed at Arsenal.
“I clearly see myself as a number nine in the national team – and that’s what I am now at Arsenal,” he added. He distinguishes himself from traditional strikers who simply wait for scoring opportunities in the box. “Even Erling Haaland or Harry Kane, who you immediately think of, don’t just stand in the box and wait for the finish. The players who are waiting there no longer exist in modern football. I am someone who enjoys letting go and making deep runs. But it is also clear to me that I will be measured by goals.”
What’s Next for Havertz?
Havertz is gearing up to make a significant impact in Euro 2024 and will be in action against Scotland in the tournament opener on June 14 at Allianz Arena.