Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has insisted that he has no problems with striker Timo Werner, whom he encouraged to keep his head down and fight for his spot in the starting lineup.
After struggling in front of goal last season, Werner has struggled for minutes following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku. He has started just twice in the Premier League so far and is yet to even feature in the Champions League.
As exclusively revealed by 90min early in September, Werner is wary of letting his lack of minutes continue and he is prepared to consider leaving Stamford Bridge next summer if his position does not improve.
When asked for his feelings on the situation, Tuchel embarked on a passionate defence of his usage of Werner and insisted there is nothing for anybody to be concerned about.
"He got some game-time," Tuchel said (via ESPN). "He was on the pitch against Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City. He did a lot of work, a lot of sprinting. It was an unthankful game for him against City and I thought there was simply no space for him against Juventus. It was the kind of game where it is very hard to use his speed.
"I don't speak too much about circumstances and expectations around [players] because where would this lead? Then we have endless talks with every player. Why should I speak about money and transfers with Kepa Arrizabalaga? I speak with Kepa about what I demand, about his position, where he has to be in build-up play, the goalkeeper coaches do their work with him. Why should we speak about the money?
"Why should we speak with Timo about his expectations, expectations in England, expectations from the League? Why should we? It would be endless.
"He needs to focus. I'm pretty sure - I was not there - that nobody promised him he'd play every single minute no matter what. I think he signed with a clear mind that he goes into one of the toughest competitions in the world: to be a player for Chelsea in England.
"And here we are. So is there any reason to be frustrated? No, there is not. He is a healthy young guy who has the best job in the world in one of the best clubs in the world. There is no reason to be frustrated but 100 reasons to be happy, full on in training, spot on and fight for your place. That is the situation for everybody. Life is good to us, there is no need to be frustrated."
Source : 90min