Kai Havertz admitted that the sacking of Graham Potter has further dented the Chelsea team’s confidence.

The Blues were held to a 0-0 draw with Liverpool in their first game since the Englishman’s departure, with Bruno Saltor taking over as interim manager while the club continues to search for a permanent replacement.

Despite the change of coach, it was the usual game for Chelsea: the poor final score paid off again and after the fourth goalless draw in a row against Liverpool, the Blues remain in eleventh place in the Premier League.

Havertz endured a frustrating evening in front of goal, firing his best chance straight at Alisson. Although the ball then rebounded off him and into an empty net, it was disallowed by VAR after replays showed it had hit his arm.

The German was asked after the game whether he and his teammates lacked confidence after further point losses.

“Maybe yes, I think at the moment, especially after the defeat at the weekend, we lacked a lot of confidence and (the dismissal) doesn’t make it any easier,” Havertz told Sky Sports. “But we are all professionals and we have to score goals. We have to keep pushing.”

“We have to do our job on the pitch, but having a coach for the long term makes it easier for us players.

“We have the faces out there, everyone sees us and we are all very frustrated to see Graham go, but we have to accept the situation.”

Chelsea do not have much time to regain that confidence before the focus turns to Europe and the club’s last chance to salvage something from this miserable season.

The Blues travel to Real Madrid next week for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, before the return leg in west London a week later.

“There are still nine games left in the league and Chelsea do not deserve 11th place,” said Havertz.

“It’s not nice to be there, but we all have to stick together. We are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and we need to gain as much confidence as possible for the upcoming game.”

“As players on the pitch, we also need the fans. We are among the last eight of the best teams in Europe. It’s not nice, but we have to stick together.”

After the game, Bruno praised his players highly for their reaction to the turbulence in the club in recent days.

“These were emotional days and the players managed to stay focused,” said Bruno. “They deserve credit for that.”

On Potter’s departure, he told BBC Sport: “It was tough, we are very close friends. It’s difficult being here without him, but I’m doing my best.”