Timo Werner joined Chelsea in 2020 from RB Leipzig for £47.5 million on a five-year deal. The German international arrived with a reputation of being one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga and Europe.
The 26-year-old scored 95 goals in 159 appearances for RB Leipzig. He was also the number one choice striker for the Germany National team. But Timo Werner has been a pale shadow of himself at Chelsea and had failed to live up to the bill.
Werner has scored 23 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea since he arrived at Chelsea. The 26-year-old had now lost his position in the Chelsea starting 11 to Kai Havertz.
There are rumors linking Timo Werner to a move from Chelsea. Newcastle United, Juventus, and his former club RB Leipzig have emerged as the clubs interested in the Chelsea attacker.
The former RB Leipzig player earlier this month that he is open to a move provided he gets enough playing time as we are in a World Cup year.
He said: “I could be happy everywhere.
“It is clear I want to play more and I should play more to first be in good shape for the World Cup and also to have a chance to play at the World Cup.
“It doesn’t change anything whether it is a winter World Cup or in the summer. I think if I play half of the season or the whole season, I should play. It doesn’t change anything in my mind.”
However, Michael Ballack has backed Timo Werner has backed his compatriot to turn his Chelsea situation around and build his mentality and confidence.
What did Michael Ballack say about Timo Werner?
Speaking at a media event in Munich, the former Chelsea midfielder said: “Timo has been a lot better than what he is at the moment in terms of personality and character.
‘It was a brave step on his part to go to Chelsea, knowing what their setting is like – but he hasn’t managed to establish himself.
“It is important for him to take on board what is expected of him.
“He was close to becoming their undisputed first-choice striker, and with the German national team as well.
“But that is a position he has lost. He now needs to build up his mental strength once again.
“He strikes me as a nice guy, but he has to try to flip the switch so he can believe in himself once more.
“He has what it takes, but to my mind, he lacks that ‘elbow mindset.
“To my mind, he is too well-behaved, and he resigns himself to his fate.
“If that does not change, he will continue to have a difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel was shocked as Timo Werner earlier comments that “he could be happy at where”, in response, Thomas Tuchel said: “I’m surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea football club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet.
“He needs to get his game time. He has to 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. If he said this, I do not understand.”
Chelsea defeated Udinese 3-1 in their final pre-season game.
