Graham Potter told to stop Kai Havertz position plan to keep Chelsea improving

Havertz’s role in the side has been questioned throughout this season, and a former player believes Chelsea are a better side without the German leading the line

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has told Graham Potter to ditch Kai Havertz as his striker in the side. Johnson believes the Blues are a better unit without the German in the No. 9 position, instead believing his skillset is better suited elsewhere.

Havertz has faced heavy criticism this season due to a lack of goals to help arrest his club’s slide down the table. However, the 23-year-old’s fortunes began to improve last week, after his decisive Champions League goal against Borussia Dortmund was backed up with another strike against Leicester City in the Premier League.

Despite this uptick in fortunes for both Havertz and the club, Johnson retains his belief that his former employers would be better off making a change up-front. “Chelsea are a better side when Kai Havertz isn't the striker,” he told Midnite.

“I only say that because he is better when he has good players around him. He is intelligent and sees the gaps. He can stay calm in tight areas.

“He is a better player when he is in that Number 10 role and has more freedom to do what he wants to do. Chelsea are more powerful and structured when he is not the striker.”

Havertz has been playing as an unorthodox No. 9 for much of this campaign, and was often made a scapegoat for his side’s struggles in front of goal. Last week’s brace meant he has now scored eight times in 35 outings this season.

Despite suffering particularly barren spells, he has consistently retained the faith of Potter, having started all but one of Chelsea’s games in 2023. This is despite the manager having a more natural option in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at his disposal.

“I think everyone at home, especially my girlfriend, has had some tough weeks as well in the last weeks and months. I think she is happy now again and so am I.

“For you guys, it is the same – 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.”