Chelsea's £60m transfer problem that sums up Thomas Tuchel's pre-season issue

Thomas Tuchel cut a hurt figure in his press conference following Chelsea's pre-season defeat to Charlotte FC on penalties. The fixture saw Raheem Sterling's eagerly awaiting debut but the German coach's lingering impression was of a disjointed performance that lacked that quality he hoped for as the priority switched from physical fitness to tactical preparation.

In the midst of his post-match assessment, Tuchel was asked about the future of Timo Werner. The German forward missed the match through a hamstring issue but had earlier in the week been questioned over his future. Werner hinted that he may not have been entirely content at the club.

He said: "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. I could be happy everywhere. 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. I think it doesn’t change anything whether it is a winter World Cup or in the summer. I think if I play half of the season or the whole season, I should play."

Chelsea's 48-year-old was surprised by the comments and offered only brief comments in response. Tuchel said: "I'm surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea Football Club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet."

"So he needs to get his game time."

"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."

"Sure, he is our player, sure."

Werner's position is perhaps not quite as secure as that, however. The 26-year-old forward was reportedly offered to