Havertz joining Chelsea bad for Bundesliga – Germany boss Low

Kai Havertz’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea is bad for the Bundesliga, according to Germany boss Joachim Low.

Germany allowed Havertz to leave their training camp in Stuttgart on Friday to complete a switch to Chelsea, where he signed a five-year contract.

The Blues also raided the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, with Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr having also arrived at Stamford Bridge as reinforcements for the 2020-21 season.

Low was disappointed to see Havertz leave the Bundesliga but hopes playing abroad can help him have a bigger impact with the national team.

“I see it as a negative when such great talents like Kai are no longer in the Bundesliga,” Low told a news conference on Saturday.

“But I also see the positives. Abroad, the players develop their personalities.

“I think the time is right for Kai, and the same goes for Werner. If they take the next step that will of course help us too.”

The latest addition to the Chelsea boot room! #HiKai pic.twitter.com/iH06l43gd7

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 5, 2020

Havertz was an unused substitute in Germany’s 1-1 draw with Spain in the Nations League on Thursday, with Low not playing him due to his Chelsea transfer not being completed at that point.

“Kai was torn. Kai would have been good for us in the second half against Spain, but I also knew his situation,” said Low.

“He would have liked to have played for the national team, but in such situations, when a transfer is imminent, you have to be careful.”

Germany will be without Havertz when they face Switzerland on Sunday but Low expects to have every other player available, having confirmed Leroy Sane did not suffer a muscle injury against Spain.

Joachim #Löw on team news: “The game against Spain has taken its toll, but we have no serious injuries. Everyone is available for tomorrow. @Bernd_Leno will play in goal.”#DieMannschaft #SUIGER pic.twitter.com/qEQ4VK3yi1

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) September 5, 2020

“Bernd Leno will be in goal. For everyone else, I’ll wait for training,” said Low.

“I told Leroy we weren’t taking any risks. He did not suffer any muscular injuries, but it was not to be expected that he would last the 90 minutes.

“Switzerland’s development has been very good since 2014, including as individuals. They are now one of the big players. I see parallels between Switzerland and Spain in terms of the style of play.”