Timo Werner: “Now was the right time to change.” | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively to Bild, Timo Werner discussed his return to RB Leipzig, the negotiations with Oliver Mintzlaff and his development during his time at Chelsea.

On his return to RB Leipzig…

The whole story could only have been painted better with a win. I was really happy to come back, it was a great welcome. Although the expectations of me are not so low, I also expect a lot from myself.”

On negotiations with Oliver Mintzlaff…

The contact with RB Leipzig had been loose for two or three months. The exchange mainly took place with Oliver Mintzlaff. I also spoke to Domenico Tedesco. Leipzig had always communicated that they want to make the transfer if they can do it financially. “Can” was always a question mark for many interested clubs.

On his decision to leave Chelsea…

Last season wasn’t satisfactory for me, mainly because I had to accept setbacks after coronavirus and other injuries but that shouldn’t be used as an excuse for the second half of last season. I didn’t play enough last season and I felt that, and this was reinforced in the friendlies with Chelsea, that for the second season in a row I would not start. In a year when there is a World Cup, I didn’t want to risk not taking part in the tournament. Now was the right time to change. I’m 26 and I want to play. I want to be back on the pitch every week.

On his development as a person…

In two years in London, I have developed a lot of personality, I have matured as a person. The two years between 24 and 26 is an important phase. Many people finish their studies during this time and then go to work. For me it was different. I didn’t know my way around London at all in the beginning. But them my girlfriend and I sorted it out very independently, we made a giant step in our development. I’ve learned to make decisions, on and off the pitch. And my English is now very good, which also helps enormously in the team.

Everyone knows we have a good relationship. Just as I was about to decide what to do, I called him. His opinion has been very important to me for the last year-and-a-half. He knows what kind of guy I am, how to deal with me, what kind of environment I need in order to function. He was an important opinion of an outsider, neutral with a lot of football expertise. Hansi thought this decision was the right one, regardless of the World Cup.