In a candid discussion with Sky Sports, Kai Havertz has shed light on how Arsenal is adjusting to the absence of their captain, Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Havertz detailed the collective efforts within the team, spearheaded by manager Mikel Arteta, to uphold their standards and maintain their competitive edge.
Reflecting on his first goal for Arsenal, which came almost a year ago against Bournemouth, Havertz recalls the pivotal moment when Odegaard handed him the ball for a penalty. This act, which Odegaard later described as a ‘beautiful moment,’ was instrumental in helping Havertz settle into the team. Mikel Arteta appreciated this gesture, highlighting the empathy and unity within the squad and expressing hope that it would positively impact Havertz’s performance. A year later, Havertz describes himself as a completely transformed player, crediting the support from his teammates and the managerial staff.
Havertz expressed his satisfaction with his time at Arsenal, stating, ‘I feel great, I feel very, very good. Arsenal for me is my home, I love to be here every day.’ He acknowledged the initial challenges of transitioning from a rival club in London and the pressure of a big-money transfer but emphasized the unwavering support he received from the club. ‘Everyone was there for me, everyone was ready to help, and I think that’s why at one point it just started working. I think I grew up a lot, it just happens when things are not going your way, you grow up as a person and as a player as well,’ he noted.
The significant role of Mikel Arteta in Havertz’s development was a recurring theme in the interview. Havertz praised Arteta’s attention to detail and his open-door policy for discussions, stating, ‘If you have confidence sometimes things that don’t normally work, they work. Every time I walk onto the pitch I want to feel better than my opponent and have confidence to play my game.’ Havertz also highlighted Arteta’s competitive nature as a driving force for the team’s high standards. ‘Whoever you play, if it’s already 4-0 to us in the 80th minute or whatever, he wants to have everything perfect. I think that’s good for us players because there’s no time to switch off. If you do, he wakes you up quite fast.’
Martin Odegaard’s influence on Havertz extends beyond the pitch. The two players have developed a close friendship, often spending time together with their partners. Despite his injury, Odegaard remains a constant presence at the club, participating in meetings and offering guidance. Havertz described him as the perfect captain for a team of young and developing players. ‘To be honest, before I came to Arsenal, I didn’t think he would speak so much in the dressing room and stuff like that, but he speaks a lot before the game. He’s always there on the pitch when things are not going your way and you need someone to step up.’
The challenge of filling Odegaard’s void on the pitch has been addressed collectively by the team. Havertz remarked, ‘It’s not about one player but I think everyone has to step up when one of your most important players is missing. I think we are doing it quite well at the moment.’ He also mentioned the arrival of Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal in the final hours of the summer transfer window. Havertz expressed his excitement about Sterling’s addition to the squad, highlighting their previous positive relationship at Chelsea and Sterling’s proven prowess in the Premier League.
The recent fixtures have been a testament to Arsenal’s resilience and adaptability. Havertz underscored the importance of maintaining their playing style and hunger for success. ‘Yes I think so. To be honest, last year it showed me a lot. When you’re so close to winning trophies it makes you even more hungry to win things. I’m lucky to have won one or two trophies in the past and it’s just the nicest feeling. I think we’re all so hungry to win something. The club hasn’t done it for a couple of years now, so we want to give everything to give something to the fans because they deserve it.’ He emphasised that despite the physical and mental toll, the team remains focused on their objectives, aiming for consistent performances in every match.
Kai Havertz’s reflections provide valuable insight into Arsenal’s internal dynamics and the collective effort to overcome the challenges posed by Martin Odegaard’s absence. The combination of strong leadership from Mikel Arteta, the supportive presence of Odegaard, and the resilience of the team underscores their determination to maintain high standards and achieve success.
