Tuchel keeps confidence in ‘hard-working’ Werner

CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel is confident Timo Werner will soon rediscover his goalscoring touch.

The Germany international, who was signed in the summer for a fee of around £45 million, has managed just one goal in his last 19 games for the club, with that coming against Sky Bet League Two side Morecambe in the FA Cup.

After appearing sluggish and off the pace at times towards the end Frank Lampard’s reign as manager, Werner showed signs of improvement and sharpness in last week’s win against Tottenham and caught the eye again on Sunday night as Chelsea won 2-1 at Sheffield United.

The 24-year-old’s darting run and cut back set up the opening goal for Mason Mount and Werner then won the penalty that allowed Jorginho to restore the Blues’ lead early in the second half, after Antonio Rudiger’s own goal had drawn the Blades level.

“It was a brilliant run for the first goal and it was good decision-making in the second to go around the goalkeeper and he got us the decisive penalty again, as he did at Tottenham,” said Tuchel. “I could see the Tottenham game gave him a boost in confidence and he was unlucky in that game not to score, but he worked incredibly hard and was disciplined and today he was really strong and in the game mentally and physically. This is important because if he continues like this I am sure the goals will come.”

Werner had to be substituted after 75 minutes, but Tuchel allayed any fears of a major problem.

“Its a dead leg. It is something that is very painful in the moment, but right now I don’t have any worries,” he added.