Thomas Tuchel has revealed his thinking behind the dropping of Timo Werner to the Chelsea bench for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
After hitting the ground running for the Blues, Werner endured a difficult patch that saw him go 15 Premier League matches without finding the net.
His overall level of performance remains in doubt, despite breaking that duck against Newcastle on February 15.
What was said?
Asked about the decision to drop the Germany international striker, Tuchel said: “We had the feeling to give Timo a little break, to have him from the bench and also fresh for the fixture against Liverpool.
"I felt him a little bit tired after many games in a row.”
How many times has Werner played for Chelsea?
Werner has been an ever-present in matchday squads for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, starting 24 of their 26 matches in the top flight this season prior to the Man Utd clash. He has returned five goals in these fixtures.
Additionally, he has played 10 games in other competitions for the Stamford Bridge side, meaning that he has started 34 times in 2020-21. The fixture against United is Chelsea’s 38th of the campaign.
Further reading
- Tuchel: We fought hard to sign 'indescribable' Bruno Fernandes at PSG
- 'If I scored maybe the old manager would be at Chelsea' - Werner admits feeling 'guilty' over Lampard sacking
- 'Maybe it is our fault' - Tuchel admits Chelsea's possession-based style doesn't suit Werner