Thomas Tuchel has delivered an update on Chelsea outcast Timo Werner’s future amid the striker’s frustration and uncertainty.
In 2020 the German attacker arrived in London from RB Leipzig but he has struggled to match the goalscoring form he displayed in the Bundesliga that made the Blues sign him.
Last season, Werner appeared in a total of 37 games for Chelsea across all competitions, netting 11 times and providing six assists but never nailed down a starting position.
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Following the poor performances and eventual departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan this summer, a spot to lead the line opened up, but it was Werner’s fellow countryman Kai Havertz who beat him to this role.
With the addition of Raheem Sterling this window as well, the competition at the top end of the pitch is tougher and Werner faces slipping further down the order.
It is going to be a tough ask for the forward to climb his way up the ranks, but he started off pre-season in the perfect manner by opening the scoring against Club America in the Blues’ 2-1 victory.
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Unfortunately for the 26-year-old though he suffered an injury and was unable to feature in the 5-3 loss on penalties to Charlotte FC.
It is a big season for all the players next term, with the World Cup in Qatar taking place in November.
Werner wants the best opportunity to be selected for his country but to do so he needs minutes in a Chelsea shirt which could require discussions with Tuchel over his role in the team.
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What this could mean for Werner is unclear, but speaking previously to The Daily Mail, he shared: "It is hard to say (if clear the air talks are needed).
"First of all, the most important thing is that I am happy. I am happy when I play and score goals. That’s the fact. That’s what I should take care of and the other things will come."
Werner continued: "I could be happy everywhere. It is hard to say (why I've struggled for game time).
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While the situation is uncertain, Tuchel has revealed that Werner is in his plans at Chelsea, when asked whether the German has a place at Stamford Bridge, he replied: “Sure, he is our player, sure.”
He also detailed what he believes the striker needs to do: “Show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea.”
Most recently Tuchel shared his views on Werner’s future and him eyeing up a potential return to Germany, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t think so, I don’t know about it. Timo has not talked to me about it, so in the moment I think he wants to make his way at Chelsea. He still has a point to prove.”
All Werner can do for now is continue to perform to the best of his ability and attempt to impress Tuchel enough to gain the minutes that he desires, should he not do this, he may have to find a new home if he wants a place at the World Cup.
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Topics: Chelsea, Timo Werner, Thomas Tuchel, Football
Sam Collins