Timo Werner takes dig at Thomas Tuchel’s tactics after Chelsea exit

Timo Werner says he lost the joy of playing football during the latter period of his time at Chelsea and says Thomas Tuchel’s tactics were partly to blame for his exit from the club.

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The German rejoined RB Leipzig earlier this month after a two-year stint in west London.

Werner managed 23 goals in 89 appearances for the Blues but he lost confidence during his second term at Stamford Bridge and became a periphery figure under Tuchel.

The Germany international knew his time at the club was over following the arrival of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and though Manchester United showed interest in him, Werner opted for a return to Leipzig.

It was in Leipzig that Werner made his name, scoring 95 goals in 159 appearances for the German side as a wide forward.

“For me, the fun of playing football is in the foreground,’ he told the Einfach mal Luppen podcast.

‘Of course, I had great success at Chelsea, but the fun got a bit lost in the end because I didn’t play regularly anymore.

‘I think the coach’s system of play didn’t suit me perfectly. That’s why it was clear to me that I wanted to take a new step. I’m at an age where I want to play as much as I can.

‘I really associate very great successes with Chelsea – the greatest of my career. It will always be a special club for me. I will also stay in touch with many of the players from the team.’

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