Timo Werner says he has ‘become more robust’ since joining Chelsea due to the Premier League’s directness as striker believes it will only benefit his international displays for Germany
- Timo Werner said the physicality of the Premier League has made him ‘robust’
- The German said ‘a lot of long balls’ are played in England which is ‘different’
- The striker said adapting to English football has made him better for Germany
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.
Werner has scored seven goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions for Chelsea
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.
The German said playing Premier League football has made him a better, ‘more robust’ striker
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.’
Werner (centre) is line to start for Germany in their Nations League match against Ukraine
Werner (right) played for Chelsea versus Burnley after Christian Pulisic got injured warming up
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.’