Frank Leboeuf unsure about Kai Havertz and questions Chelsea’s chances of making top four
Frank Leboeuf is ‘not convinced’ by Chelsea‘s £90million club-record signing Kai Havertz and claims his former side will struggle to finish in the top four with their current form – despite a summer splurge in excess of £200m.
Chelsea’s sluggish start to the 2020-2021 campaign continued on Saturday with a disappointing 3-3 draw against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
Timo Werner found the net twice in 28 minutes to see Chelsea go 2-0 up, but it was fellow new boy Havertz who was caught in possession and robbed of the ball, allowing Danny Ings to claw one back for Southampton at a crucial moment just before half-time.
Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf is ‘not convinced’ by new boy Kai Havertz (above)
Che Adams went on to capitalise on a lack of communication between Kurt Zouma and Kepa Arrizabalaga to draw the Saints level.
Havertz did, however, tap in his first league goal to restore their lead before Jannik Vestergaard equalised. Despite the German getting off the mark in the Premier League, Leboeuf has doubts about his capabilities.
Speaking to ESPN, he said : ‘I’m not convinced about Havertz, I’m not that optimistic.’
But Leboeuf did share his enthusiasm over Werner, saying: ‘I’m very pleased with Werner, he’s a real satisfaction.’
Havertz scored his first Premier League goal on Saturday, but Leboeuf has doubts about him
Leboeuf was, however, impressed with Timo Werner who scored Chelsea’s first two goals
Saturday’s draw leaves Chelsea with just two wins from five league games and Leboeuf fears on current form that Frank Lampard’s side could struggle to finish in the top four.
He added: ‘I’m not convinced at all about Chelsea right now.
‘It’s like they don’t know each other, they’re not fit enough, I’m very worried.
‘I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt because I don’t know what they’re worth, but, really, if they keep on performing like that, for sure they’re not going to finish in the top four.’
Jannik Vestergaard scored a late equaliser to deny Chelsea victory on Saturday afternoon
The former Chelsea man also has concerns that his old club could miss out on a top-four spot
A concerning trend has been Chelsea’s inability to keep clean sheets – something Lampard tried to address in the summer by bringing in Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and keeper Edouard Mendy.
The draw with Southampton was the second time Chelsea have conceded three goals this season. Leboeuf believes Thiago Silva could be the answer to their problems – but he was rested on the weekend after a busy international break with Brazil.
‘Thiago Silva should have been back because it’s crucial for Chelsea to have a real leader at the back and that’s the main problem,’ Leboeuf said.
‘They all have to work hard physically to make sure they can play together and be stronger together.’
