Werner shocked at unforgiving aspect of Prem; admits he is ‘struggling’

Chelsea striker Timo Werner says that the physicality of the Premier League has taken him by surprise, adding that he is “struggling” with this season’s demands.

The Blues made Werner one of several marquee arrivals in the recent transfer window for around £50million.

As such, he arrived from RB Leipzig with a reputation and bred excitement about his club’s title chances. In the first few weeks of the season, he looked to have adapted seamlessly.

Indeed, he scored four goals and assisted two others in his first eight Premier League outings. Since then, though, he has not scored while registering two further assists.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Germany international admitted that he did not expect the English top flight to be so demanding.

“It does matter how much you cost. It’s always a bit of pressure when you come to a new club. But I think I can handle it very well. It’s not something new,” the forward said of his price tag.

“The pressure is a little bit higher than the previous years but I think good footballers are the best under pressure and that’s my plan, I can do very well under pressure.

“The Premier League is a little bit different to my old league. It’s tougher than I thought. The contact here is harder than in Germany, it’s what I expected but not like this.”

 

 

Werner, though, insisted that this season’s unique demands have not helped him settle.

Last term’s late finish caused a late start to this campaign, amid the same schedule as before.

Werner admits to ‘tough’ schedule

“The beginning was very good, but now after a lot of games I’m struggling a little,” Werner said.

“I think it’s hard when you play every three days…and on Saturday against teams that can rest the whole week.

“It makes it tough to be the best in every game but the Premier League is very fun to play in.”

Despite a strong start, Chelsea have now lost two successive top-flight games. Frank Lampard‘s side return to action on Monday against West Ham.

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