There were no expletives from Kai Havertz in the aftermath of Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph. Not in front of the TV cameras at least. On this occasion, the German remained composed as he reflected upon another match-winning goal in a high-profile final.
"It's amazing. From champions of Europe to champions of the world. It sounds better," Havertz said with a smile. "We did so much to be here and to win this game. It’s an incredible feeling.
"I dreamed of this as a kid, it's an amazing feeling for me. I'm thankful for everyone that brought me here, my family, my girlfriend. The Champions League final and now this – it is all for them."
Havertz's extra-time penalty proved enough for Chelsea to overcome Palmeiras on Saturday and win the only trophy that had previously eluded the club. Once again, the 22-year-old delivered under the most intense pressure.
That has become Havertz's calling card since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020. In addition to his goal against Palmeiras and his Champions League final winner, the German international also claimed an assist in the UEFA Super Cup and stepped up against Real Madrid in Europe last season.
It's away from the showpiece matches that Havertz has found life harder at Chelsea. He has struck just six goals in 43 Premier League appearances and hasn't yet established himself as a guaranteed starter, although injuries and illness have played their part in that.
The signing of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan also impacted Havertz. He thrived as a number nine in the final weeks of the 2020/21 campaign but was usurped in the summer by the Belgian striker, who was recruited for a club-record fee of £97.5million.
Havertz was crowbarred into the Chelsea attack during the early weeks of the campaign but struggled for form. Come October, he was out of the side and it was then that Thomas Tuchel threw down a challenge. "There is so much talent, so much potential and he needs to show it," the Chelsea head coach said rather bluntly.
There was a response from Havertz, who started seven out of eight Premier League matches in the absence of Lukaku due to injury and performed well. Yet he was then struck down by Covid and has played just twice in the top flight since December 12.
The hope is the Club World Cup proves a springboard for Havertz, that the confidence-boost gained from scoring a crucial goal in a final enables the forward to thrive during the remainder of the campaign.
Admittedly, there was a similar expectation after his Champions League final goal against Manchester City but there is a greater reason for optimism this time around.
During the two matches Chelsea played in Abu Dhabi – against Al Hilal and Palmeiras – an understanding between Havertz and Lukaku started to blossom. There were fleeting interchanges between the two, brief moments in which one moved into the space vacated by the other.
This emerging relationship was spotted by the Blues coaching staff too. "Kai and Romelu work very well," assistant coach Zsolt Low said after the semi-final win. "It was important for Kai to prepare this goal [for Romelu]."
A common complaint among supporters this season is the lack of understanding between Chelsea's attacking players. It's resulted in sluggish, dour football at times and partly explains why the Blues have fallen 16 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League.
So the early flickerings of an on-pitch relationship forming between Lukaku and Havertz must be carefully nurtured by Thomas Tuchel in the weeks ahead, especially if Chelsea are to enjoy further success this term.
The Blues have the Carabao Cup final to play this month and the Champions League also resumes with a last-16 clash against Lille. If Havertz arrives at those games confident and in form, history suggests he will make the difference once more.
