Kai Havertz has confessed that he was confident Arsenal would win the Premier League last season, but he understands that adapting to Mikel Arteta’s methods will take time.
The comments were made following Havertz’s pre-season debut for Arsenal against Nurnberg in a post-match interview with the club’s official website.
Reflecting on his move to north London, the midfielder said: “From the outside I always thought they were going to make it (win the title last season). When you see the players and the talent the team has – they showed last year they have big, big qualities. I just want to come in and be a part of this.”
Arsenal’s second preseason match of the summer ended in a 1-1 draw with Nurnberg; after that, they will go to the United States to play a series of friendlies against Manchester United, Barcelona, Monaco, and an MLS All-Stars team.
According to Havertz, those fixtures will be crucial in helping his new coach’s tactical style sink in. “It’ll take some days and weeks to get used to the style of play,” the Germany international said. “But I’m going to give everything for the club to get the fitness back into my body and hopefully perform in the highest level in the league.”
On Havertz’s debut, Mikel Arteta summarised: “We have to see how he adapts and obviously get to know each other and build relationships. Football is about that and time will tell where he fits in best.”
Havertz will not be the only player who must adjust to Mikel Arteta’s demands in the coming weeks and months.
Declan Rice, England’s captain, recently commented about his new manager at the Emirates, telling former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy that the Spaniard was “magic” as he prepares to join Arsenal.
Havertz has great hopes once he learns to play under Arteta’s fluid possession-based approach. Arsenal’s £65 million ($85 million) signing, according to Chelsea legend Pat Nevin, “could be one of the greatest players of his generation.” Only time will tell if he can take the Gunners to the next level.