Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has defended his decision to use Timo Werner as a left winger and said the forward is capable of playing in various attacking roles.
After a positive start to his first season at Stamford Bridge, Werner has seen a significant drop in his performance in front of goal.
He has yet to score since returning from the international break in November.
Understandably, people start questioning whether playing on the left has had a big impact on his poor form.
Lampard insisted the role is not necessarily the problem.
“Different reasons on that one,” Lampard told reporters in his press conference on Friday about his decision to use Werner as a left winger (via Chelsea’s official YouTube channel).
“For Leipzig and Germany, Timo played as a No.9, to the side, slightly behind sometimes.
“He played all those roles wherever he’s been, so I don’t think it’s a problem for him to play there [left flank] for use.
“And he could be used in various roles across the front three.”
Lampard may have had a point: Werner didn’t suddenly stop scoring after moving to the left side.
The Germany international scored five goals in his first four games as a left winger, just before the international break.
About Werner’s eight-game goal drought, Lampard added: “Any goal-scorer would want to score regularly.
“But [he] must have the mental toughness and confidence to go through periods because everyone will go through them.
“He needs to remain confident, keep getting in the areas and the goals will come, without a doubt.”
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