2026-06-28 09:31:06
Kai Havertz thinks Germany fans think he’s “useless” because he plays overseas.
The Arsenal striker has enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign so far but has faced calls for Deniz Undav to start ahead of him, however, the 27-year-old player doesn’t get too upset because he’s aware people may not be as familiar with his game as his inteernational teammates.
He told The Guardian newspaper: “Probably because I don’t play in the Bundesliga. It was the same at times with Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gündogan, who were abroad for years. It is often said about me: ‘Havertz didn’t score again, he’s useless!’. And when I do score, they say: ‘Well, he’s supposed to, it’s about time!’
“I don’t hold it against anyone; that’s perfectly normal.”
Kai aims to be “like a ghost” on the pitch so defenders can’t predict his plays.
He said: “Defenders should never know where I am, where I’m going, what I’m planning, or where I’ll be at any given moment. That’s the worst for them. I try to be like a ghost to defenders.”
And he will never wait around for the ball to come to him.
He said: “I can’t just wait around in the penalty area, I need to be involved. I also make runs which I know sometimes look pointless, but I’m creating space for the players coming up behind me.”
Kai has faced criticism that he is too casual but he doesn’t care and insisted he does get nervous, even if people don’t realise.
He said: “I’m aware of the debates that I’m too laid back or my body language is wrong.
“That always comes up when I’m not playing well. But I’m not the sort of person who dwells on it too much. It used to be different. I don’t brood on things any more..
“I know it doesn’t show from the outside, but I feel it. Before a Champions League final, or at a World Cup. Or before penalties. I need that tension to stay focused.”
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