EPL

Tuchel 'will not stop pushing' to get the most out of Werner and fellow attackers

By Sports Desk March 14, 2021

Thomas Tuchel will do everything in his power to get the most out of Timo Werner and Chelsea's other attackers after his side fired another blank in their stalemate with Leeds United.

Chelsea managed eight shots on target in Saturday's clash at Elland Road but could not find a way through as they failed to score for the second time in four games.

In fact, the west London side have had more goalless draws in 10 Premier League games under Tuchel (three) than they did in 57 under Frank Lampard (two).

The Blues are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions since Tuchel succeeded Lampard in January, scoring 13 goals.

Four of those have been penalties – three from Jorginho and one via Mason Mount – and one was a Ben Godfrey own goal.

Mount has scored two non-penalty goals, while wing-backs Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta have also been on target under Tuchel.

It means just four goals have been scored by Chelsea's forwards in Tuchel's first 12 matches – two for Olivier Giroud and one each for Tammy Abraham and Werner.

Despite Werner's struggles, and the likes of Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz failing to get off the mark, Tuchel is happy with his attacking options.

"I don't only look at the output, how much they score and assist," he told a news conference. "These are statistics to which every striker is attached, of course. 

"Everyone needs to have the mentality to cope with the pressure that comes along with statistics. It's like this in high-level football.

"But I have to say at the moment everyone is working hard, nobody is lazy, nobody is taking time out when we defend high as a block. 

"We are still looking a little bit for a breakthrough from one or two guys, to go on a scoring run. We will not stop pushing and trying to find solutions to create more clear chances for them. 

"That's the way it is. There is no need now to look to the summer or look for other solutions. We have solutions and have guys we are happy with and we will try to help them."

Werner has five Premier League goals to his name since arriving from RB Leipzig in a big-money deal last June, coming from a total of 61 shots.

The Germany international's 8.2-per-cent shot-conversion is one of the lowest among forwards in the Premier League.

But Tuchel, who was heard yelling out instructions to Werner during the 2-0 win over Everton, accepts it is down to the player to regain his confidence.

"I truly believe the best strikers were always strikers," he said. "It is not about the coaches they have. It is always in their blood. They have a certain profile, a certain approach to the game. 

"Timo is clearly one of these guys who scores a huge amount of goals. It is very natural to him to score and to define himself as the guy who has the last touch. 

"It is a very unique position, a sensitive position, so I truly believe it is not so important who is training them. Of course we are here to help everybody and for us it is important to help them keep their focus on the process. 

"It is the process that matters and that can help you escape the pressure you put on yourselves. Is my decision making good? Is my technique good? Is my vision clear enough? 

"If you focus on these points, hit the ball well, the result will take care of itself and you will find the back of the net soon if you just hit the ball and close your eyes.

"Of course we have exercises to help them with finishing in training, but in the end it's clear you can say whatever you want, watch videos and train, but the most important thing is the last percentage. There is no substitute for that."

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