Thomas Tuchel has told Timo Werner “catch the moment” and keep scoring following the Chelsea striker’s match-winning goal against West Ham on Saturday.
Werner struck only his second Premier League goal since November - and his first goal in all competitions since February 15 - as Tuchel’s Blues won 1-0 in east London to move three points clear of West Ham in the race for Champions League football.
Werner’s struggles in his debut season in England have led to question marks over his future at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea interested in signing Erling Haaland and/or Sergio Aguero to potentially lead the line.
While Werner missed more than one presentable chance at London Stadium, the £45million striker’s clinical first-half finish secured a vital win for Chelsea - and Tuchel wants more of the same from the forward.
Regarding Werner’s recent goal drought and return to the scoresheet, Tuchel said: “I can’t do anything. He needs to keep scoring and catch the moment.
“He is quite often involved in our goals, even in the last weeks, by winning fouls in the penalty area or with assists like against Man City. But nothing helps more than a decisive goal.
“I am very happy because I felt he was strong from the start.
“He was very good with distributing the ball, dropping from the number nine position and keeping the ball, he had good timing with his deep runs behind the line, and was involved in many chances and half-chances.
“So it was very nice that he could score. He could’ve had a second one for sure.
“After that, he lost a little bit of confidence and was a bit tired. So a good performance and I’m happy because it was a big win.”
Werner joked about scoring his first goal since February, telling Sky Sports: “I had a second chance and I think I have to score.
“But I have to come back slowly. One goal is enough... maybe if I’d scored twice today it would be too much from the beginning. But, no, I’m joking!
“It’s really important for me and the team to be back on the scoresheet.
“Very happy we win this game, it’s important in the race for the top four.
“It’s a really big win, in front of a big game on Tuesday when we play Real Madrid.”
