Among the items on Chelsea new boss, Thomas Tuchel’s to-do list is helping Timo Werner display his best form in a Blue shirt.
The German striker signed in the summer and started his Blues career impressively with eight goals in his first 13 appearances. However, since then he has netted just once in 16 games, and had a penalty saved on his last outing against Luton.
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Having often faced Werner during their time together in the Bundesliga, Tuchel is fully aware of his compatriot’s ability, as well as the role he can play in helping the no.11 showcase it.
‘At the moment his face is a bit closed, the weight is on his shoulders,’ explained Tuchel of Werner’s body language.
‘He cares a lot, and that shows he has a fantastic character. Sometimes as a striker it does not help if you care a lot; sometimes it’s better not to care at all, but he’s not that guy.
‘He cares, but he’s not happy with himself and with the way things have gone lately. Right now it’s important for him to rebuild his trust in himself, and re-find a smile on his face, and stop doubting himself too much. It’s my job to help him with this, and then also find a position where we can use his strengths.
‘From his profile it is a given he prefers to have space,’ continued Tuchel, turning his focus to Werner’s best position.
‘He is super fast and he likes to play on the last line, very high up but a little bit more to the left so he is half open to the opponents’ goal and can receive balls into the open space.
‘Can we develop movements, patterns, behaviour to use his quality in narrow spaces? That’s my job and I’m absolutely convinced we can because the guy is young, the guy is open, the guy is friendly, and the guy is eager to learn.’
