Kai Havertz has opened up about his struggles at the start of his career at Arsenal, revealing that he needed time to break out of his shell.
The German midfielder faced challenges when he first joined Arsenal from Chelsea, and he wasn’t immediately embraced by fans at the Emirates Stadium.
Part of the reluctance to accept him stemmed from the fact that he was brought in to replace Granit Xhaka, a player whom many Arsenal fans were reluctant to see leave.
Additionally, Havertz’s performances at his previous club didn’t generate much excitement among Arsenal supporters, who were hoping for a more impactful addition to their team.
Notable Arsenal supporters, including Piers Morgan and Darren Bent, openly criticized him. However, Mikel Arteta remained confident in his choice and believed he was the right fit for the team.
Havertz has since proven himself and is now one of the club’s most important players, repaying the faith shown in him by his manager.
Speaking on his earlier struggles, he told Sky Deutschland:
“For me, when I moved to Chelsea, it was normal that you needed a little time to arrive and to get to know everyone properly and to have a good relationship on the pitch. And it was clear to me that it might not “click” in the first few days, but rather that it will take a few weeks.
“I’m someone who doesn’t come out of my shell so easily in a new environment, but for me it always takes a few weeks or a few months.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Havertz has made his critics in recent weeks and his form is yet another reason why we need to trust the judgement of Mikel Arteta.
” Haters??” Or simply fans who thought quite sensibly that HAVERTZ was not doing the business . Now though,there are still some, not me, but some, who do not see his ability.
But MARTIN, they are NOT “haters” and you do yourself nor JA any favours at all, by wilfully misusing such an emotive and inappropriate word to describe people with different opinions on Haverz.
Please drop using “hate AND HATERS,” as they are foolish and totally inappropriate words to use about a mere footballer.
I agree. It’s edited
In context, it’s clear that hate/hater is not meant in the most visceral sense, it’s softer, as is very common in the modern day. Hater has largely come to mean being negative towards a famous person out of some kind of jealousy – makes me think of rappers and “influencers”. Of course hate can still refer to a deeper hatred, but context matters, and that’s clearly not what would be meant here wrt havertz.
I think Jon is trying to protect the language, but that battle has already been lost – rightly or wrongly, that’s patently the case
I’m not sure that anyone is choking as a result of Havertz getting to grips with life at Arsenal
It was interesting to read about his apparent shyness regarding fitting in with his colleagues CL and the time it took to feel comfortable. Not everyone is as gregarious as Rice who looks and acts as though he’s been at Arsenal for years
You’re right, people are different and Havertz was struggling with his form and confidence. Rice has been on a different journey and he’s definitely not lacking confidence 🙂
Once again that word “hater(s)” appears and I’m sad to see it used when referring to ANY Arsenal manager, player or fan.
I’m absolutely certain that we lose sight on JA that it is a site dedicated to The Arsenal and, by that criteria, used by Arsenal fans.
Havertz very cleverly didn’t diss his old club, but I can only imagine the difference he found when joining a club that, under MA, had just missed out on the PL, from a club, in chelsea, who were in complete turmoil.
I don’t see Havertz as a player who would have been part of the Invincibles, but as a integral part of MA’s squad who has found his form again.
As he continues to improve, I believe we will see a Giroud type of player and can’t wait to see if he can become what I think he will be.
Nice saying ken1945.
Havertz is still relatively young and has potential to get better. I doubt he has shown us all his tools yet.
Good for him, A very tactical player with top quality movements.
Harvertz is top a tactical player not so skillful like wat many believe are gud players,his intelligent, reads the game well and u dont see his movements a bit simillar to Xhaka but Xhaka was a bit agressive in his approach.Good signing for Arsenal
Haverts is a top tactical player very intelligent knows how to read the game well reads other players moves well.His runs in the box are cruel runs thats why he stores those tap ins he moves into unrecognizable pockets thanks to Arsenal they have Ordegard Saka Jesus Trossard Martinelli Partey who knows how to squizze in those passes to those awkward pockets.Excellent signing for Arteta
Let’s just keep him as false 9. He makes good runs that confuse central defenders. He is much better than MA trying to make him be an 8. Might deputise our much anticipated world class 9 we are likely to sign in the summer.