Misfiring Werner backed for Chelsea success by Tuchel

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:39 CDT
• 2 min read

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted he wants to see more goals from Timo Werner, but has encouraged him to “trust his instincts”.

Werner, 25, was a £50 million signing from RB Leipzig this summer. The Germany striker was expected to spearhead a serious Premier League title challenge at Stamford Bridge this season, but he has struggled to find form.

Read more: Tottenham don’t need Champions League to keep Kane, insists Mason

With just six goals and six assists in 31 league games, Werner has failed to live up to expectations. Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard as Chelsea boss this season, has not given up hope on him.

“Do we wish for more goals? Yes. Does he wish for more goals? Yes,” Tuchel said ahead of the Blues’ home clash with relegation threatened Fulham on Sunday. 

“What I mean is he should kepe his head up because he can trust his instincts and that he keeps focusing to score, this is what he does. This is what he needs to do.”

Will Chelsea sign another striker this summer?

While replacing Werner directly is not on the agenda, Chelsea could well be in the market for a new striker this summer.

Tammy Abraham has been linked with an exit, and the club are known admirers of Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

Romelu Lukaku was linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, having left for Everton in 2014 and then gone on to join Manchester United and Inter.

Whoever comes in, while not viewed as a direct alternative to Werner, will represent a challenge for the striker to overcome.