GERMANY legend Markus Babbel believes Chelsea’s playing style doesn’t suit Timo Werner as he questioned whether the striker should depart Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old has struggled in West London since joining the Blues from RB Leipzig in June 2020.
Chelsea striker Timo Werner has struggled for form since joining the club from RB LeipzigCredit: GettyFormer Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes Chelsea’s playing style doesn’t suit WernerCredit: Getty
Werner arrived in England as a goalscoring machine having banged in 28 goals in 34 Bundesliga games during the 2019-20 campaign.
But he disappointed in his first season in the Premier League after finding the back of the net just six times from 35 outings.
And he has scored just once in the top-flight this term from 14 matches with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz tasked with leading the line over him.
His poor form has led to speculation that he could leave Chelsea to return to Germany.
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Borussia Dortmund are claimed to be keen on securing his services as they eye up a potential replacement for Erling Haaland.
Werner recently aimed a dig at boss Thomas Tuchel’s tactics after declaring that Germany’s system suits him better as he actually gets chances to score.
His compatriot Babbel, who won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munch, believes Werner is struggling due to Chelsea’s “strange football”.
Speaking to SunSport via bet365.com, Euro 1996 winner Babbel was asked what can Werner do to rediscover his best form.
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To which Babbel, who has also urged Serge Gnabry to not swap Bayern for Arsenal, said: “Chelsea’s a difficult place – even Lukaku isn’t playing!
“It’s strange as both players are fantastic. Timo is a goal scorer, and he needs 100 per cent belief from the coach in his style of football.
“He’s not the best technical footballer in the team. Havertz, [Mason] Mount, [Hakim] Ziyech are very elegant, and they understand the game.
“Timo’s a bit different – he’s a hard-working player, fantastic character, but he’s not as skilful as the others. If he doesn’t feel the 100 per cent support from the coach you can see it in his game.
“He has lost that luck. I saw him against the Netherlands and in the second half if a player played the ball across the goal, he would have smashed the ball in the empty net, but he did not see him and there was no goal.
“He earns so much money at Chelsea, it’s very difficult to see him leave, because normally in a World Cup year he would have to move so he’s playing more regularly.
“But he’s on so much money, he’s never going to earn that somewhere else, no chance. It’s a difficult one really, I don’t know what’s going to happen with these sanctions.
“Ultimately, he’s a good player, works hard and a great character but he’s not playing enough. There’s something wrong.
“I’m not sure the style of football Chelsea’s playing suits him. It’s strange football they’re playing at the minute.”
