Graham Potter defends Kai Havertz over goal drought

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Graham Potter defends Kai Havertz over goal drought

Graham Potter has refused to blame Kai Havertz for his struggles in front of goal this season.

No Chelsea forward has played more minutes this season than the German, who has netted just six times in 32 games in all competitions and currently finds himself on a run of seven without a goal.

Havertz has faced increasing criticism from Chelsea fans and missed the chance to relieve the pressure as he failed to convert a one-on-one with Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier at the weekend.

Despite the 23-year-old's individual struggles, Potter was keen to keep the focus on Chelsea's entire forward line, with the Blues as a collective only scoring twice across Havertz's goal drought - one of which came from defender Wesley Fofana.

“I think we have to attack better as a team and that’s my responsibility," said Potter. "It’s too easy to zoom into individuals and blame them.

“It’s a collective, we have to create more, do better and that starts with me, helping the team get better chances more chances because then I don’t doubt the quality of the players.”

The return of Raheem Sterling from injury has provided a noticeable boost to Chelsea and Potter admitted he was happy to lean on the former Manchester City man as the Blues prepare to try and mastermind a comeback against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.

“His goal scoring record in the Champions League speaks for itself," Potter said of Sterling. "He’s an experienced, proven campaigner in that competition.

“So we’re delighted with that and we’re looking forward to him on the pitch on Tuesday, and hopefully enjoying his football and, and contributing to us winning and going through.

“You can see his quality that he brings and if he’s enjoying his football he’s a really important player for us and the last two home games, you could see that.

“He’s still building up because the hamstring problem he had, he’s getting stronger and stronger with every minute so that was the thinking behind bringing him off to make sure he’s ready for Tuesday.”