Thomas Tuchel reveals why Chelsea ace Timo Werner was benched against Manchester United
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports (h/t Metro) before the game against Manchester United, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that he decided to start Hakim Ziyech instead of Timo Werner because the German striker needed a breather.
The Blues started the game against the Red Devils with a few notable changes. Apart from Werner dropping out, Ben Chilwell started at left-back and N’Golo Kante started instead of Jorginho in midfield.
Playmaker Kai Havertz also made the bench after returning from injury, while Tammy Abraham was left out of the matchday squad. And Tuchel went on to reveal that the change up front was to give Werner a rest.
“It was the feeling to give Timo a little break, to have him from the bench, to have him again fresh also for the fixture against Liverpool.”
A much-needed rest
The former PSG manager explained that the German international needed a breather. He also implied that other players deserved a chance to start as well.
“He was also a bit tired. I felt he was a little bit tired after so many games in a row so I give him a rest and let the other guys perform who deserve that.”
Before the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, the ex-RB Leipzig striker had started in the last 5 Premier League games in a row. Werner. of course, came on with 12 minutes to go against United.
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He replaced Ziyech with the score still at 0-0, and that is how the game would go on to end. The draw means Chelsea are yet to lose under Thomas Tuchel, winning 4 and drawing 3 of his first 7 league games in charge.