Thomas Tuchel has revealed he’s noticed a change in Timo Werner’s attitude and ability during recent Chelsea training sessions.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s EFL Cup clash with Aston Villa, Tuchel revealed the extent of Werner’s transformation on the Cobham pitches.
The German’s difficult maiden campaign has continued into the current term.
His only start arrived on the Premier League’s opening weekend, the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
A mere 30 minutes of domestic action have followed for the speedy forward, all from the bench.
Romelu Lukaku’s arrival certainly shot the former RB Leipzig star down the pecking order.
Some expected the pair to partner in attack but the strikers have yet to feature prominently as a combination.
However, Lukaku and Werner did show glimpses of their potential on Sunday, the latter coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur triumph.
A tiring Spurs defence could have done without Werner’s extra energy, the Germany international providing the pass for Antonio Rudiger’s late goal.
Timo time
Tuchel explained his compatriot had deserved a run out at the weekend, thanks to his improvement on the training pitch.
“There was some disappointment to brush off his shoulders from the Euros in the summer,” said the Chelsea boss.
“And, from the first game, I think he wasn’t happy with his performances in the beginning.
“We weren’t happy because we know he can be much more dangerous and much more of an attacking threat than he was.
“But the stuff you don’t see, I see him in the last training sessions more relaxed, more fluid in his movements with more confidence.
“That’s why we put him on early against Tottenham because we saw that development.
“There are clear signs he’s in a good way. I hope he can show and prove it tomorrow.”
Wednesday’s game at home to Villa would be a perfect opportunity for Werner to open his account this season.
He last rippled the net for Chelsea in May, before that April, before that February.
Those erratic scoring spells certainly haven’t helped the striker’s confidence, nor have they provided a blockade to pundits’ criticism.
But all it takes is one match to get the wheels in motion, even if Werner’s need extra oiling.
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