Kai Havertz says that the “Premier League is much tougher than the Bundesliga” after playing his first match for Chelsea in a 3-1 win over Brighton.
Captain Jorginho slotted a typically cool penalty, full-back Reece James lashed a top-corner thunderbolt and impressive centre-back Kurt Zouma profited from a deflection in the Blues’ comfortable opening weekend win.
Germany striker Timo Werner proved the pick of the new arrivals, causing havoc with his stunning pace and incisive running lines.
However, Havertz showed a few glimpses of the quality but looked short of full fitness against the Seagulls. The Germany intenational said that a few more training sessions with his new team-mates may have helped.
Havertz said (via the Evening Standard): “It was a very tough game, very difficult because I had long holidays and I came back and trained for five or six days with the team. More important is that we won so I am very happy to make my debut.
“The Premier League is much tougher than the Bundesliga. I have seen that in training and saw it in the game as well. But I am happy to play 80 minutes and hopefully next week I will continue.”
Havertz added: “Of course they is one of the best teams in the world. We show respect but we are a very great team as well. It will be a very hard game but for them also. We will work hard and I think we will have a chance to take points.”