BREMEN, GERMANY - JUNE 12: Kai Havertz of Germany celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the International Friendly match between Germany and Ukraine at Wohninvest Weserstadion on June 12, 2023 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Kai Havertz gets Germany despite criticism from Arsenal fans

Sep 3, 2023

Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s much-debated summer signing, is set to don German colours once again as Mikel Arteta calls on Arsenal fans to show the love.

MAINZ, GERMANY - MARCH 25: Kai Havertz of Germany reacts during an international friendly match between Germany and Peru at MEWA Arena on March 25, 2023 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) — MAINZ, GERMANY – MARCH 25: Kai Havertz of Germany reacts during an international friendly match between Germany and Peru at MEWA Arena on March 25, 2023 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Kai Havertz has been called up for the German national squad as they prepare for an outing against Japan during the upcoming international break.

His selection arrives amidst criticism from some sections of the Arsenal fanbase, making the forthcoming international break a pivotal juncture for Havertz to re-establish his credentials as Mikel Arteta calls for Gooners to show the former Chelsea man some love.

Kai Havertz’s critical juncture

Arsenal's Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring a goal during a friendly football match between the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star team and Arsenal FC, at Audi Field in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring a goal during a friendly football match between the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star team and Arsenal FC, at Audi Field in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

This call-up could serve as a crucial moment for Kai Havertz.

Recently, the player has been under fire from some impatient Arsenal fans for what they consider underwhelming performances.

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However, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has been vocal in his support for Havertz. “I tell you what I feel about him, that I love him… His work rate is excellent,” said Arteta in a pre-Manchester United press conference.

Call for fan support

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Arteta’s plea for fan support echoes his belief that players like Havertz flourish under positivity.

“Give him love and we will get the best out of him,” urged the Arsenal manager.

You can read Arteta’s full comments about Havertz and Arsenal fans here.

Focus shifts to Wolfsburg

Next week, all eyes will be on Wolfsburg as the German national team converges at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel for an eight-day camp.

The German national team is no stranger to Wolfsburg; the city has hosted several of its matches, most notably a 9-0 victory over Lichtenstein in 2021.

However, this forthcoming match holds additional weight, as Germany seek to avenge their defeat to Japan in their ill-fated World Cup in Qatar.

Preparations and partnership with Volkswagen

The German team’s arrival in Wolfsburg is closely linked to a strategic partnership between the DFB and Volkswagen, the city’s car manufacturing giant.

This relationship sees Volkswagen paying an estimated €30m annually to the DFB.

The players will join the camp on Monday, following which training sessions and press conferences will dominate Hansi Flick‘s agenda.

What’s next?

Following the match against Japan in Wolfsburg on 9th September, the German squad will head to Dortmund for a high-profile clash against France on the 12th.

This series of matches could play a decisive role in shaping the public perception of Havertz, both in Germany and among the Arsenal faithful.

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