Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz insists being mid-table is due to the huge changes the club has undergone this season.

A change of manager and a squad overhaul has contributed to the inconsistency.

Havertz told the club's website: "After the bad times we had – and the beginning of the year was very bad – we have progressed quite well.

"After bad times you're going to see the sun again. In my career as well I knew when I had bad times to just continue my work and it was going to be fine.

"Of course we lost some times, our table position is bad, but the fans can be excited for the next few months and years, and everything that happens, because we have bought some good-quality players and they are going to achieve some big things here."

He also said: "I feel physically fresh. I feel good. It's been a hard season. Physically and mentally it's been tough for everyone. I had the World Cup as well which was not the best for Germany, so mentally it was a bit tough.

"But we have a big competition, the Champions League, where we can achieve big things this year. The league is hard but still we want to get points and come into European business. We have big goals still and I'm ready for that."