Timo Werner will be better for Chelsea FC next season, vows Thomas Tuchel

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Thomas Tuchel has made it clear Timo Werner remains in his plans next season – and has defended the German’s strike-rate in a troubled first campaign at Chelsea.

Werner has endured a miserable record in front of goal since his £45million move from RB Leipzig – underlined by just two goals in his last 18 games.

He saw two ruled out against Leicester on Tuesday, but also won a penalty for what turned out to be the winning goal.

Despite Chelsea’s hopes of bringing in a top-class striker this summer, Tuchel insists there is much more to come from Werner.

The Chelsea manager said: “He’s still young and can still improve. This is what we demand week by week.

“When he has some time to reflect, rest, some time on holiday for mental rest, I’m sure he can take the next steps next year.

“He is not new anymore, he will know the environment, what he is coming back to, his team-mates, what he is up against on the first game and how to adapt. This will help him.

“We try to push the process right now because we need him.”

Werner has scored 12 in total and was removed from penalty-taking duties as his confidence slumped in January.

Tuchel says that should be taken into consideration when assessing his season.

He added: “Don’t forget, many goal-scorers in Europe shoot penalties for their team and it’s common that they reach their high numbers with penalties.

AP

“If we add the penalties we’ve had to his numbers, maybe everybody would be delighted with his first year.

“He hasn’t scored penalties, he doesn’t take them. We should consider that.

“At the moment, as I’ve said, I am happy that spectators are back because they will see the effort instantly.

“It’s much easier to be a critic and judge a player when you’re not in the stadium. Once you are there, close to the guys, see the effort they put into matches, it’s a bit more relative.”

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