Former Chelsea striker Timo Werner has admitted Thomas Tuchel’s tactics did not get the best out of him at Stamford Bridge.
The German has returned to RB Leipzig just two years after joining Chelsea, departing with an underwhelming 23 goals in 89 games for the Blues.
Speaking to Toni & Felix Kroos’ podcast, Einfach mal Luppen, Werner insisted he will always have fond memories of Chelsea but acknowledged that his spell in London did not go to plan.
“For me, having fun playing football is the most important thing,” said the 26-year-old. “Of course I was very successful at Chelsea, but in the end I lost a bit of the fun because I didn’t play regularly anymore.
“I think the coach’s game system didn’t suit me perfectly. So it was clear to me that I wanted to take a new step. I’m at an age where I want to play as much as I can.
“I really associate Chelsea with great successes – the greatest of my career. It will always be a special club for me. I will also stay in contact with many players from the team.”
Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth bring you Talking Transfers, discussing Erik ten Hag wanting to sign five players before the transfer window closes, and Man Utd’s attitude to selling Cristiano Ronaldo. Available on all audio platforms and the 90min YouTube channel.
If you can’t see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!
Under Tuchel, Werner spent a lot of time operating as a left winger behind either Romelu Lukaku or Kai Havertz, flashing an impressive creative side – he finished with 21 assists – but failing to replicate the sort of goal numbers he managed in Leipzig.
Now back in the Bundesliga, it took Werner just 36 minutes to score his first goal of the season, opening the scoring as Leipzig were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Koln.