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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed he is ‘surprised’ over Timo Werner’s recent comments about his future at the club.
The German attacker is now heading into his third season at the Blues, having joined from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2020.
His first season at Stamford Bridge was very mixed, with the 26-year-old missing a number of opportunities in front of goal whilst still amassing a total of 27 goal contributions in all competitions.
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The following campaign would see those numbers fall though, with just 11 goals and six assists to his name during a turbulent campaign for the club.
Werner has now raised questions over his future at Chelsea, with a recent interview revealing uncertainty over whether or not he will be at the club for the long-term future.
He said: "It is hard to say (if clear the air talks are needed).
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"First of all, the most important thing is that I am happy. I am happy when I play and score goals. That’s the fact. That’s what I should take care of and the other things will come."
"I could be happy everywhere. It is hard to say (why I've struggled for game time).
"I didn’t ask but I think of course the manager always has different ideas, different thoughts and what you need in different games, I think in many games I was not in his thoughts so I try to change that.
"It is clear I want to play more and I should play more to first be in good shape for the World Cup and also, to have a chance to play at the World Cup."
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He later added: "In pre-season you can show that you want to play, that you are a guy who wants to be in the starting XI. That’s what I try."
After their penalty shootout loss to Charlotte FC in pre-season, Tuchel responded to the comments made by his fellow countryman.
He said: "I'm surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea Football Club.
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“I would be one of the happiest people on the planet."
Tuchel also spoke on what the attacker needs to do to get more game time at the club, saying: “Show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea. If he said this, I do not understand."
Werner was absent from the loss against their MLS opponents due to hamstring problems.
Christian Pulisic gave the Blues the lead in the first half at the Bank of America Stadium, but a late penalty from Charlotte FC sent the match to a shootout.
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Tuchel’s side soon lost via spot-kicks, with just one game left to play against Arsenal before they return from their US tour.
Topics: Thomas Tuchel, Timo Werner, Chelsea
Robert Calcutt