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Kai Havertz delivers verdict on Liverpool draw, missed chances, Potter’s Chelsea sacking & Real Madrid tie
Kai Havertz was left frustrated after Chelsea drew blank to be held to a fourth goalless draw against Liverpool in as many meetings.
Despite having 12 shots on goal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, Chelsea were unable to find the target to beat Alisson in between the sticks to bounce back to winning ways following their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, which saw Graham Potter relieved of his duties less than seven months after taking over.
Only three of Chelsea’s shots were on target, with the Blues having two goals ruled out too in the capital. Reece James’ strike was chalked off for Enzo Fernandez being offside in the build up, while Havertz handled the ball in the process of putting his rebounded effort into the back of the net.
Chelsea were forced to settle for a draw ahead of their games against Wolves and Real Madrid in the next week or so.
They are struggling for confidence at the moment, it was evident, and Havertz believes the players could be suffering after Potter’s dismissal.
But the 23-year-old has called for everyone to stick together ahead of facing Real Madrid next Wednesday at the Bernabeu as they look to change their fortunes back to winning ways.
Here is what the Germany international told Sky Sports following the stalemate on Tuesday in the Premier League.
On if Chelsea should’ve scored against Liverpool
“I think so, especially in the first half. We had loads of chances, me included.”
On confidence of Chelsea squad affecting them in front of goal
“Maybe, yes. In the moment, especially after the loss, we missed a bit of confidence. It doesn’t make it easier in front of goal. It’s our job to score. Now we have to prepare for the weekend and keep pushing.”
On Graham Potter’s Chelsea sacking
“It’s tough. As expected always when a manager leaves, it’s not easy because it’s our job to win games. At the end, when a manager gets the sack we are all the same and we have to take responsibility for that. Now we have to accept how it is, be professional, and accept the situation.”
On Chelsea needing to bring in a new permanent manager as soon as possible
“First of all, I have to say it is really nice and we have to respect Bruno and the coaching staff for standing in front of the team when the manager got the sack.
“The club has to respect those guys. But it is not our job to think about who is coming in, it is up to the owners to decide that.
“We have to do our job on the pitch but when you have a manager long term it is easier for us players.
“It is not nice, we have to take responsibility for what is going on. We are at the front, everyone sees us. We are all very frustrated to see Graham go but we have to accept the situation.”
Finishing the season in the Premier League and Champions League
“Still, there are nine games to play in the league. Chelsea doesn’t deserve to be 11th. It’s simply not nice to be there, but we have to stick together, for the fans it’s not nice.
“But we are also in the quarter-final of the Champions League and we have to get as much confidence as possible in the upcoming game.
“As players on the pitch we need the fans as well. We are in the last eight of the best teams in Europe. It’s not nice but we have to stick together.”