Chelsea FC star Kai Havertz ‘desperate’ to start Real Madrid semi-final after derby double

Kai Havertz says he is desperate to start Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid after pushing his case with a superb showing in yesterday’s west London derby win over Fulham.

Havertz scored twice in the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, which cemented the Blues’ place in the top four and left the Cottagers on the brink of relegation.

The German has endured a difficult first season in English football, but has shown signs of his true ability in recent weeks and is hoping he has done enough to earn place in the XI for Wednesday’s semi-final second leg, with the tie poised after a 1-1 draw in Madrid.

“This win is crucial for us and now on Wednesday another tough game,” Havertz told Sky Sports.

“It felt good to score early, that gave me confidence. For me, it’s always good to score and I’m happy to help the team with goals. I hope I can continue on Wednesday like this.

“I’m always desperate to start games... I know of course that we have a lot of quality players in the team... But I keep on going, I train hard and give my best when I’m on the pitch.”

After the Madrid game, Chelsea will take on league leaders Manchester City on Saturday and Havertz said the tight schedule was hard on players in the home stretch of the campaign.

“... You have to concentrate every three days on another game and another competition... it’s the end of the season and we’ve played nine months now already,” Havertz said.

“But that’s the reason we are professionals.”

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