Kai Havertz confessed he was exhausted after his first taste of Premier League action and admitted the physical demands of the Bundesliga are nothing in comparison to its English counterpart.
The Germany international joined from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month and, at a cost of €85million, is currently the most expensive of Frank Lampard’s seven summer recruits.
Havertz was immediately thrust into the starting line-up for Monday’s fixture at Brighton and although Chelsea ultimately emerged as comfortable 3-1 winners, the 21-year-old made only a limited contribution.
Speaking afterwards, he said: ‘I feel good, it was a very tough game, very difficult because I had a long holiday and I came back and I just trained for like five or six days with the team so I think more important is that we won so I’m very happy, very glad to make my debut and hopefully I will play more of these games.
Yeah of course (I was tired) I think it’s normal. The Premier League is much tougher than the Bundesliga and I saw hat in training, I saw that in the game as well, but I am happy to play 80 mins and hopefully next week I will continue.’
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Chelsea will face an immediate test of their title credentials this weekend when they entertain champions Liverpool and Havertz is relishing the opportunity to face a side managed by his compatriot Jurgen Klopp.
He added: ‘Yeah it’s one of the best teams in the world (Liverpool),we show respect but we are a very great team as well.
‘I think it will be a hard game for us but them also we will try best, work hard and I think we will have a big chance to take points.’
Lampard, meanwhile, was more than satisfied with his new purchase’s Chelsea debut and encouraged by his work rate, particularly during the energy sapping closing stages.
‘It’s a big ask [to settle in immediately] there’s lot on his shoulders for the singing that he was he’s young and coming into a new league. ‘
He plays the game at such a quality and the way in which he receives the ball. We saw a few glimpses of that. We saw him sprint back 80 yards to make a tackle after giving the ball away. Everything I’ve seen in terms of his character is spot on.
‘His quality will come through. It’s asking a lot for him tonight but we saw glimpses. We’re going to see a lot more of him, I think he’s a hugely talented young player.’
