‘To be honest’: Graham Potter discloses 23-year-old Chelsea star nearly took the penalty instead of Havertz
According to Graham Potter’s statement to BT Sport, Reece James was almost the one taking the penalty for Chelsea instead of Kai Havertz during last Tuesday night’s match.
Havertz eventually scored after his second attempt, helping Chelsea win the Champions League round of 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
The first shot hit the post, but the referee ruled that the opposing players had stepped inside the penalty area before the kick was taken, allowing Havertz to take the penalty again.
Chelsea’s 2-0 victory last night not only avenged their previous defeat in the first leg but also kept their slim hopes for the remainder of the season alive.
Graham Potter, who was under immense pressure going into the game, will be pleased with the performances of several of his players.
While a win against Leeds United was important, this result will go a long way in restoring his reputation at Stamford Bridge.
Since Jorginho, who was a reliable penalty taker, was sold to Arsenal, Chelsea had not been awarded any penalties until last night’s match.
As a result, there was a lot of curiosity about who would take the penalty. Kai Havertz ended up taking the shot, but according to Potter, Reece James was also a candidate for the penalty.
He said: “It was him or Reece to be honest. Sometimes they have to feel it on the pitch. I wasn’t watching it, but I was delighted when I heard the roar!”
Kai Havertz, who is 23 years old, has demonstrated his exceptional shooting abilities, including from the penalty spot in multiple shootouts.
Despite missing his first attempt last night, he showed confidence in himself by taking the penalty again and scoring the second time around.
This indicates that he may become the regular penalty taker for Chelsea going forward.
‘To be honest’: Graham Potter discloses 23-year-old Chelsea star nearly took the penalty instead of Havertz
