Timo Werner says he’s ‘more robust’ after joining Chelsea due to the Premier League’s directness
Timo Werner said he had the Premier League to thank for him becoming a ‘more robust’ centre forward following his £53million move to Chelsea.
The German, 24, said he has had to adapt to the English game because it is more physical than he experienced in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig.
‘In England people play a lot of long balls, it’s a bit different style of play than here in the national team,’ he said ahead of Germany’s Nations League match against Ukraine on Saturday.
Far from shrinking away in the face of his new challenge, Werner said adjusting to life in the Premier League at Chelsea has benefitted his German international team-mates.
‘I’ve become more robust myself because I have to deal with so many robust opponents,’ he said. ‘That also helps me with the national team.’
Werner brings a scintillating scoring streak with him to Germany’s Nations League camp. Having taken a little while to adjust to the rigours of English football, he has now scored seven goals in as many games in all competitions.
In the Premier League alone the German is currently averaging a goal every other game and also has two assists to his name, while he has scored three goals in three Champions League appearances.
However, Werner has admitted he needs to manage his workload, though he said it does not concern him too much.
‘I shouldn’t have played against Burnley (he came into the side after Christian Pulisic got injured in the warm-up) but the coaches are already making sure that you get your breaks,’ he said.
‘I’m still very young and don’t worry about that. If I only play 20 minutes on a weekend, then you recharge your batteries.’
Despite the apparent nonchalance, Werner did appreciate being rested for Germany’s 1-0 friendly win against Czech Republic on Wednesday.
‘It was really good for me that Joachim Low gave me a break against the Czech Republic.
‘It’s a strange and exhausting time but the fun of football means I want to play every game.’
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