Jorginho was Chelsea’s number one penalty taker since he arrived at Chelsea. Jorginho’s confidence and ability to take penalties made him one of the best Penalty takers in Europe and the World.
The Italian midfielder left Stamford during the winter transfer to join Chelsea London rivals Arsenal for € 12 million. The departure of Jorginho means that Chelsea needs to appoint a new penalty taker.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has revered that Kai Havertz is Chelsea’s new penalty taker following the exit of Jorginho.
What did Graham Potter say?
The England coach revealed at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund:” We are prepared for the eventuality and possibility [of a penalty shootout].
“We want to win it before that but if not then we will be prepared to go through in that way.
“Kai [Havertz] is our penalty taker in the absence of Jorginho.”
Graham Potter has also admitted that the clash against Borrusia Dortmund is a “Big Game.”
He added: “It’s a big game, an exciting game, a chance to go through to the last eight of the Champions League. It will be a special night at Stamford Bridge, so we’re really looking forward to that. All our thoughts are on being positive, winning the game, and going through. In terms of what we learned from the previous game [against Dortmund], they are a top opponent.
“You can see from their results in the Bundesliga, they are in a fantastic vein of form, winning games constantly. That tells you as a team they are doing a lot well. Attack and defend, good individuals, well coached. So it’s a big challenge for us but we’re excited for it.”
Asked if the victory over Leeds United has boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the clash with Borussia Dortmund, he said: “It’s always nice to win, that’s for sure. Everyone is happier when we do. But we also know we have a big challenge ahead. So as much as we’re pleased with the win at the weekend, we now want to follow it up with another win on Tuesday night. That is where the focus is.”
“The position we’re in, you should always welcome pressure because it means you’re in a fantastic situation which is to compete for the last eight of the Champions League. It’s a wonderful competition and it’ll be a special night. It was a special occasion in Dortmund and I’m sure it will be the same at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. We’re looking forward to the game and competing to go through because it’s a fantastic competition and we want to progress.”
Chelsea needs to win the game with a two-goal margin before they can qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Reacting to the challenge of Chelsea winning with a two-goal margin, Graham Potter added: “We have to play well, be positive. It’s a special occasion for us in front of our supporters, to try to get into the last eight of the Champions League. We’ve had some games where we could’ve scored more than one, that’s for sure, and we need that performance tomorrow night. It’s that simple. We’re playing against a top team in a good place so it’s not going to be easy. But the boys are in a good place. They are confident, motivated, together and we want to take the challenge on and give is our best.”
The Blues need to be in their form tonight at Stamford if they want to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.
