Chelsea prepared to be patient with ‘sensitive’ Timo Werner, says Thomas Tuchel

Forward has scored just one goal in 17 matches for the Blues

Nick Purewal
Monday 01 February 2021 08:55 GMT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thomas Tuchel will continue to employ a kid-gloves method to help "sensitive" Timo Werner battle past his Chelsea scoring duck.

Defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso's fine finishes contrasted jarringly with £53million man Werner's struggles, as Chelsea saw off Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Blues sealed just a third Premier League win in 10 matches, moved up to seventh in the table - and handed new boss Tuchel his first win at the second time of asking.

READ MORE: Hudson-Odoi the star as Chelsea squad relish blank slate

RB Leipzig summer recruit Werner's miseries extended to a return of just one goal in 17 matches in all competitions however, leaving Tuchel again to defend the out-of-sorts 24-year-old.

"He's totally into it, he gives everything, but every striker is sensitive, and nothing helps them more than goals," said Tuchel.

"If they miss goals for a certain amount of time it's the same for all of them. So this is nothing special for Timo, it happens to every striker in the world.

"As long as he has the impact and tries everything, like he did today, we will support him. We also missed some chances to use him in counter-attacks, which is his strength to use him with his speed.

"So we have to use him in the right way also. I think he was confident to play, but confidence is not something you can demand.

"Confidence is something that comes with good performances. As long as he lacks goals he won't be at 100 per cent.

"But it's okay, he just has to keep going until he may find a very easy goal, to bring out the last few per cent."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in