Frank Lampard has defended Kai Havertz over criticism that he looked like he was ‘not bothered’ during Chelsea’s recent 2-0 defeat to Leicester City.
Ahead of an FA Cup clash with Luton, Lampard has hit out at critics of Havertz’s work rate.
“I can officially say from working with Kai that desire is absolutely not part of the issue. Is he as confident right now, at this minute, as he can be or will be? No, because he is having a tough moment, as are other members of the squad,” Lampard told reporters.
“Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah are players who were here at a similar age to Kai. They went away and took time and came back, and now they are absolute Premier League legends.
“I don’t want to build Kai up and put that pressure on his shoulders, but there clearly has to be a time with young players who come to this league, where people have to give them time, patience and sometimes a little bit of wriggle room.
“It’s not that everything will just happen in a few months or in one performance.