Kai Havertz: Frank Lampard asks for patience over Chelsea midfielder | Football news

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard insists patience is required with £ 71 million summer contract Kai Havertz.

The German international joined the Blues from Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal, but Stamford Bridge’s 21-year career has yet to ignite.

Havertz, who missed three games in November after testing positive for coronavirus, has started Chelsea’s last four games but failed to make an impact before being substituted during a 1-0 loss to Everton on Saturday.

“At present, there will be criticism for every player from every club who loses a game,” Lampard said.

“We have to be patient with Havertz from a Chelsea winger because he is such a high quality talent who has come to this league.

2:56

“He can play anywhere in the top three and has played down the right countless times before playing for Chelsea.

“But we have to be patient, especially with any young player who plays at Premier League speed.

“People who want to go into criticism (should) just wait and give a young player time. Be the player that Kai Havertz will be.”

In an interview with Heaven in Germany, Havertz attributed the opportunity to work with Lampard as a critical factor in his decision to move to Chelsea.

“Of course having someone like that as a coach cannot be taken for granted. I appreciate it very much,” said Havertz, who has scored four goals in 16 games for Chelsea.

“As a coach he helps me a lot, he can teach me a lot. That’s also because I’m playing a bit in his position.”

Chelsea have fallen to fifth place in the Premier League following their defeat at Goodison Park, a result that ended a nine-match unbeaten streak in the English top flight.

“This will be a challenge for the players,” added Lampard, whose team will visit the Wolves on Tuesday.

“In the Premier League games are going to be lost and it is important to put perspective on it.

“The game was the game. I’m not going to say that I learned something in a game necessarily.”