Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz has found first-team opportuniuties hard to come by at Stamford Bridge due to Covid and injuries. AFP
Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz has found first-team opportuniuties hard to come by at Stamford Bridge due to Covid and injuries. AFP
Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz has found first-team opportuniuties hard to come by at Stamford Bridge due to Covid and injuries. AFP
Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz has found first-team opportuniuties hard to come by at Stamford Bridge due to Covid and injuries. AFP

Football

Kai Havertz eyes 'big turnaround' after slow start at Chelsea

German midfielder has scored just once in 21 Premier League appearances since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings
Abu Dhabi

March 16, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Kai Havertz said he expects "a big turnaround" in his fortunes at Chelsea now he is free of injury and illness, and that there can be no excuses if he fails to deliver at Stamford Bridge.

Read More

Arsenal stars in after North London derby win as well as Manchester City defenders - Premier League team of the week

The German midfielder has scored just once in 21 Premier League appearances since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for $98.20 million at the start of the season.

However, a combination of Covid-19 and an apparent lack of trust by former manager Frank Lampard saw Havertz, 21, used mostly as a substitute before picking up an injury last month.

"The coronavirus is now over [for me] and I feel good," Havertz told Chelsea's website. "I had a little injury in the past few weeks but it's now time to play good.

"It has 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."

Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday. They won the first leg against La Liga side 1-0 in Bucharest.

The Blues are unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel since the German replaced Lampard in January.

_____________________________

Leeds v Chelsea player ratings

LEEDS UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Illan Meslier – 8. Happy to see one early chance dribble onto the goalline, then another bounce off the bar, both falling into his hands. Later he saved well from Havertz and Rudiger. EPA
LEEDS UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Illan Meslier – 8. Happy to see one early chance dribble onto the goalline, then another bounce off the bar, both falling into his hands. Later he saved well from Havertz and Rudiger. EPA
Luke Ayling – 7. Nearly embarrassed when he blazed a clearance against Llorente, which bounced back against their own crossbar. He did thwart Havertz from close range, though. EPA
Luke Ayling – 7. Nearly embarrassed when he blazed a clearance against Llorente, which bounced back against their own crossbar. He did thwart Havertz from close range, though. EPA
Diego Llorente – 7. Spared an own goal by the crossbar after his teammate Ayling booted a clearance against him. Might have scored at the other end, were it not for the foot of James. PA
Diego Llorente – 7. Spared an own goal by the crossbar after his teammate Ayling booted a clearance against him. Might have scored at the other end, were it not for the foot of James. PA
Pascal Struijk – 6. Did little that stood out, but blanked Havertz and then Werner, which is what the Leeds backline were detailed to do. Getty Images
Pascal Struijk – 6. Did little that stood out, but blanked Havertz and then Werner, which is what the Leeds backline were detailed to do. Getty Images
Ezgjan Alioski – 6. Not an easy afternoon, as Pulisic and Ziyech took turns to raid down his flank. Booked for a foul on Werner, and was on the end of a further lecture for dissent. EPA
Ezgjan Alioski – 6. Not an easy afternoon, as Pulisic and Ziyech took turns to raid down his flank. Booked for a foul on Werner, and was on the end of a further lecture for dissent. EPA
Kalvin Phillips – 7. Booked for landing his foot on Jorginho’s calf. His diligence covering for his defenders was often vital, even if it meant his influence going forward was limited. AFP
Kalvin Phillips – 7. Booked for landing his foot on Jorginho’s calf. His diligence covering for his defenders was often vital, even if it meant his influence going forward was limited. AFP
Raphinha – 6. Always catches the eye with his fast feet, but it was often inconsequential, and he could have done better when he shot straight at Mendy. AFP
Raphinha – 6. Always catches the eye with his fast feet, but it was often inconsequential, and he could have done better when he shot straight at Mendy. AFP
Stuart Dallas – 7. Did his best to invoke the snarl of Leeds-Chelsea fixtures of times past as he clattered into Chilwell in the second minute. His smart passing caught the eye at other times (no match photo available). EPA
Stuart Dallas – 7. Did his best to invoke the snarl of Leeds-Chelsea fixtures of times past as he clattered into Chilwell in the second minute. His smart passing caught the eye at other times (no match photo available). EPA
Tyler Roberts – 9. Had the ball in the net early on, only for it to be ruled out for offside, then hit the crossbar with an audacious chip shortly after. Excellent for the most part. PA
Tyler Roberts – 9. Had the ball in the net early on, only for it to be ruled out for offside, then hit the crossbar with an audacious chip shortly after. Excellent for the most part. PA
Jack Harrison – 6. Hard-working, but Chilwell was starting to get the better of him by the time he was substituted off just after the hour. EPA
Jack Harrison – 6. Hard-working, but Chilwell was starting to get the better of him by the time he was substituted off just after the hour. EPA
Patrick Bamford – 6. He was a threat against his former employers until he was forced to limp off before half time. Deprived an early assist for Roberts by an offside flag. AFP
Patrick Bamford – 6. He was a threat against his former employers until he was forced to limp off before half time. Deprived an early assist for Roberts by an offside flag. AFP
SUBS: Rodrigo – 5. On for Bamford before half time, his most notable contribution was a neat knock down to set up Raphinha. Booked, caught offside, then subbed off – not for the first time this season having appeared as a sub. AP
SUBS: Rodrigo – 5. On for Bamford before half time, his most notable contribution was a neat knock down to set up Raphinha. Booked, caught offside, then subbed off – not for the first time this season having appeared as a sub. AP
Helder Costa – 6. Did not do a vast amount going forward, but his introduction in place of Harrison did help nullify the growing threat of Chilwell. Getty Images
Helder Costa – 6. Did not do a vast amount going forward, but his introduction in place of Harrison did help nullify the growing threat of Chilwell. Getty Images
Mateusz Klich – NA. Not given much time to do anything of note – other than to annoy Rodrigo by coming on to replace him. PA
Mateusz Klich – NA. Not given much time to do anything of note – other than to annoy Rodrigo by coming on to replace him. PA
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 7. Appeared to get the faintest of tips on a Roberts chip that ended up striking the bar, and did well to keep out a bobbling effort from Raphinha. AP
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 7. Appeared to get the faintest of tips on a Roberts chip that ended up striking the bar, and did well to keep out a bobbling effort from Raphinha. AP
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7. Contrived an opening for Havertz with a neat through ball, and otherwise played his customary part in a strong defensive effort. AP
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7. Contrived an opening for Havertz with a neat through ball, and otherwise played his customary part in a strong defensive effort. AP
Andreas Christiansen – 7. Not as visible as his centre back colleague Rudiger, but every bit as assured in another solid display by Chelsea’s backline. Reuters
Andreas Christiansen – 7. Not as visible as his centre back colleague Rudiger, but every bit as assured in another solid display by Chelsea’s backline. Reuters
Antonio Rudiger – 8. Might have scored had he been more alert at a first half corner. Made an important clearance on the same piece of turf in the second half. PA
Antonio Rudiger – 8. Might have scored had he been more alert at a first half corner. Made an important clearance on the same piece of turf in the second half. PA
Ben Chilwell – 6. Mangled a good shooting chance as Chelsea pressed to break the deadlock, and did similar when well placed to cross, too. EPA
Ben Chilwell – 6. Mangled a good shooting chance as Chelsea pressed to break the deadlock, and did similar when well placed to cross, too. EPA
Ngolo Kante – 8. The work rate of the Leeds players is immense – which Kante seemed to regard as a challenge. He outran them all, without breaking sweat. AP
Ngolo Kante – 8. The work rate of the Leeds players is immense – which Kante seemed to regard as a challenge. He outran them all, without breaking sweat. AP
Jorginho – 6. Grouchy after being on the receiving end of a few heavy tackles, and not as noticeably effective as his midfield colleague Kante. AFP
Jorginho – 6. Grouchy after being on the receiving end of a few heavy tackles, and not as noticeably effective as his midfield colleague Kante. AFP
Christian Pulisic – 6. Gave an early hint of his pace as he carved out a chance for Havertz. Appeared set for a fun afternoon at Alioski’s expense at that point, but the fullback marshalled him well. EPA
Christian Pulisic – 6. Gave an early hint of his pace as he carved out a chance for Havertz. Appeared set for a fun afternoon at Alioski’s expense at that point, but the fullback marshalled him well. EPA
Hakim Zayich – 7. Played one delicious cross from which Havertz should have scored, and looked bright enough for it to be a surprise when he was taken off with over 20 minutes to go. PA
Hakim Zayich – 7. Played one delicious cross from which Havertz should have scored, and looked bright enough for it to be a surprise when he was taken off with over 20 minutes to go. PA
Mason Mount – 6. Often found spaces for himself in promising positions, but lacked precision with his passing from there. PA
Mason Mount – 6. Often found spaces for himself in promising positions, but lacked precision with his passing from there. PA
Kai Havertz – 5. Should have done better when Meslier tipped over his drive when he was clean through, and might have showed greater hunger to get on the end of an early cross, too. EPA
Kai Havertz – 5. Should have done better when Meslier tipped over his drive when he was clean through, and might have showed greater hunger to get on the end of an early cross, too. EPA
SUBS: Reece James – 7. Made an important intervention to block a James shot, then an Ayling header, in quick succession. AP
SUBS: Reece James – 7. Made an important intervention to block a James shot, then an Ayling header, in quick succession. AP
Timo Werner – 6. Continues to cut a frustrated figure, and was unable to make an impact after coming on as a second-half substitute. EPA
Timo Werner – 6. Continues to cut a frustrated figure, and was unable to make an impact after coming on as a second-half substitute. EPA
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA. Looked eager to impress in the short time he was on, but shot his best opening straight at Meslier. AP
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA. Looked eager to impress in the short time he was on, but shot his best opening straight at Meslier. AP
While you're here
On Women's Day
The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.

Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners

Cryptocurrency Investing  for Dummies – by Kiana Danial 

There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine. 

Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.

Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this  book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.

Begin your cryptocurrency journey here. 

Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104 

Our commentary on Brexit
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

On Women's Day
Inside Palestine-Israel
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WITHIN%20SAND
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Moe%20Alatawi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Ra%E2%80%99ed%20Alshammari%2C%20Adwa%20Fahd%2C%20Muhand%20Alsaleh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

More from this story
Tomorrow 2021
Transgender report
Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

War on waste
Donating your hair

    •    Your hair should be least 30 cms long, as some of the hair is lost during manufacturing of the wigs.
    •    Clean, dry hair in good condition (no split ends) from any gender, and of any natural colour, is required.
    •    Straight, wavy, curly, permed or chemically straightened is permitted.
    •    Dyed hair must be of a natural colour
 

 

While you're here
The%20Afghan%20connection
%3Cp%3EThe%20influx%20of%20talented%20young%20Afghan%20players%20to%20UAE%20cricket%20could%20have%20a%20big%20impact%20on%20the%20fortunes%20of%20both%20countries.%20Here%20are%20three%20Emirates-based%20players%20to%20watch%20out%20for.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHassan%20Khan%20Eisakhil%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMohammed%20Nabi%20is%20still%20proving%20his%20worth%20at%20the%20top%20level%20but%20there%20is%20another%20reason%20he%20is%20raging%20against%20the%20idea%20of%20retirement.%20If%20the%20allrounder%20hangs%20on%20a%20little%20bit%20longer%2C%20he%20might%20be%20able%20to%20play%20in%20the%20same%20team%20as%20his%20son%2C%20Hassan%20Khan.%20The%20family%20live%20in%20Ajman%20and%20train%20in%20Sharjah.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMasood%20Gurbaz%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20opening%20batter%2C%20who%20trains%20at%20Sharjah%20Cricket%20Academy%2C%20is%20another%20player%20who%20is%20a%20part%20of%20a%20famous%20family.%20His%20brother%2C%20Rahmanullah%2C%20was%20an%20IPL%20winner%20with%20Kolkata%20Knight%20Riders%2C%20and%20opens%20the%20batting%20with%20distinction%20for%20Afghanistan.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOmid%20Rahman%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20fast%20bowler%20became%20a%20pioneer%20earlier%20this%20year%20when%20he%20became%20the%20first%20Afghan%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE.%20He%20showed%20great%20promise%20in%20doing%20so%2C%20too%2C%20playing%20a%20key%20role%20in%20the%20senior%20team%E2%80%99s%20qualification%20for%20the%20Asia%20Cup%20in%20Muscat%20recently.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

On Women's Day
UKChampions League