Chelsea’s Timo Werner has claimed that he has no regrets over his decision to turn down the chance to join Liverpool two years ago.
During an interview with The Evening Standard ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup final against The Reds, Werner opened up on his move to Chelsea in 2020.
“When I was in Leipzig, I had the possibility to come to the Premier League,” said the 26-year-old. “Liverpool were also in my thoughts and were a big possibility for me, but at the end I decided for Chelsea and I won the Champions League title last year. It was not the worst decision.”
We’d politely disagree, Timo! Although having said that, Werner’s decision led to Liverpool signing Diogo Jota. Given how both moves have worked out in the intervening seasons, it’s fair to say it was a blessing in disguise for Liverpool.
Werner a big fan of Klopp
During his interview, Werner also opened up on his views on Jurgen Klopp. Klopp was obviously a big part of trying to secure his countryman’s signing, and the striker seems to appreciate the manager.
“He (Klopp) is one of the best coaches we had in Germany,” he said. “Not to attack our manager, but over the past years he won the most titles. He has a very nice personality — a personality that the German people love, because he seems like fun.
“The Germans love the types like Thomas Muller, Jurgen Klopp — they have empathy. They say what they think, and that is really important in this business, to not fake something. He’s real. He is a funny guy and also, with his power on the sideline, he tries to bring the people with him.”
Maybe it would have worked out better for Werner under Klopp than it has for him at Chelsea with Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
He is right, he played a part in a Champions League success and he’ll always have that. But it does feel as though Klopp could have got a similar tune out of Werner to the one he has got out of Jota.
Firing blanks against The Reds
Werner will have another chance to prove a point to Liverpool and Klopp in the FA Cup final tomorrow.
He is on a relatively decent run in-front of goal having netted four times in his last eight games for Chelsea.
Despite that, he’s unlikely to start for Tuchel. Werner only has 15 Premier League starts all season, but he can be a menace with his pace off the bench.
Werner hasn’t scored against them since rejecting the chance to join Liverpool. Another blank would be welcome tomorrow.
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