'To be honest': Graham Potter admits 23-year-old Chelsea player nearly took the penalty instead of Havertz
Graham Potter has claimed to BT Sport that Reece James nearly took the penalty for Chelsea last night instead of Kai Havertz.
The German converted at the second time of asking last night to complete the turnaround in the Champions League round of 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
After hitting the post with his first effort, the referee decided the opposing players had encroached before the kick was taken, allowing him to retry.
A 2-0 win last night cancelled out the defeat in the first leg, whilst also keeping the faint hopes and dreams that remain this season alive for now.
Potter has a number of players’ performances he will be delighted with, as the pressure remained firmly on him going into that game.
A win against Leeds United is one thing, but this result will begin to do work to recover his reputation at Stamford Bridge.
James nearly took Chelsea’s penalty
The penalty the Blues won was the first they’ve been awarded since reliable taker Jorginho was sold to Arsenal, so there was plenty of interest in to who was to be trusted with taking it last night.
Whilst Havertz stepped up, Potter admitted James was an option to take the spot kick.
He said: “It was him or Reece to be honest. Sometimes they have to feel it on the pitch. I wasn’t watching it, but I was delighted when I heard the roar!”
The 23-year-old has a sensational strike on him, and has proven his abilities from 12 yards before in multiple shootouts.
The confidence shown from Havertz though to take again after the original miss showed the ability he has from 12 yards, and suggests he will be the regular taker from here on.
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