Graham Potter creates ‘dream’ plan for Chelsea attacker despite uncertain future

Graham Potter won’t restrict Chelsea forward Kai Havertz after making a ‘dream’ admission over the Germany international.

The 23-year-old is in a rich vein of form heading into the international break after scoring three goals in his last three outings in all competitions.

Goals against Borussia Dortmund, Leicester City and then Everton at the weekend – two of three coming from the penalty spot – have lifted Havertz’s confidence and mood after a tough couple of months for Chelsea.

“I think everyone at home, especially my girlfriend, has had some tough weeks as well the last weeks and months,” admitted Havertz after the 3-1 win over Leicester earlier this month.

“I think she is happy now again and so am I.

“If you have a bad day at work… you… I won’t say the word now but you don’t feel good.

“Football is a game where we have a lot of pressure on our shoulders. We want to make the fans happy and if you don’t make them happy then you don’t have a good time.

“Winning is always the best, we won again so we can enjoy some days”

Havertz has earned the constant plaudits of head coach Graham Potter, who has continued to stick by the attacker despite calls for him to be dropped following his sub-par, by his standards, season.

Potter says Havertz is a ‘an absolute dream to work with’ after outlining his best position. However, the 47-year-old won’t restrict him because ‘he’s got all the attributes to do anything’.

“He is a confident player but also someone you need to help,” says Potter. “I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s given everything all the time, does his absolute best, takes responsibility, an absolute dream to work with as a coach, wants to learn, wants to improve, gives his best for the team.

“He deals with adversity in a sensible, mature way and rides out the storm. And inevitably because of the quality he has (as a player) and as a person, he’ll get his rewards.”

He added: “He’s still young and I think he can play in lots of positions. Not quite leading the line but behind the line is probably his best position.

“Although, I wouldn’t rule anything out with Kai because the mentality is really there and he’s got all the attributes to do anything.”

Potter’s praise of Havertz may suggest he is inclined to keep him at the club next season. But he only has two years left on his current deal this summer, meaning that a decision could have to be taken by Chelsea as to whether they opt to extend his contract or cash in on the £72 million signing.