Kai Havertz: 'A Penalty Changed My Life at Arsenal'
German midfielder Kai Havertz reflects on his challenging start at Arsenal and how scoring his first goal from a penalty against Bournemouth transformed his confidence and integration into the team.
Kai Havertz, the German midfielder, has opened up about his initial struggles after joining Arsenal and how a single penalty kick altered his trajectory at the club. Transferred from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for €80 million at the behest of manager Mikel Arteta, Havertz faced significant pressure to justify his hefty price tag. It took him 10 matches to net his first goal—a penalty in a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth.
In an interview with The Men In Blazers YouTube channel, Havertz shared, "This penalty helped me a lot because it was very important to me. When you come to a club and know that a lot has been paid for you, you are under a lot of pressure." He emphasized the importance of time in adapting, not just to the playing style but also to new teammates, stating, "I am one of those people who always need time to adapt to conditions, not just with the style of play, but also with the people who are here."
Havertz expressed confidence in overcoming his early challenges, noting, "I was sure that everything would change. I knew that from the outside it looked a bit strange, but from the inside, it was clear to me that my time to shine would come." He credited his teammates for their support, particularly for entrusting him with the crucial penalty, which bolstered his self-belief.
Reflecting on his first season, Havertz concluded on a positive note, finishing with 13 goals in the Premier League, thereby affirming his value to the team.