How Frank Lampard convinced Timo Werner to join Chelsea despite coronavirus constraints

Simon Collings @sr_collings16 September 2020

Timo Werner has revealed how Frank Lampard played a pivotal role in convincing him to join Chelsea.

The forward decided to leave RB Leipzig this summer and naturally that sparked interest from clubs around Europe.

Chelsea, however, won the race for the Germany international after agreeing to pay around £47.5million for him.

And Werner has now revealed it was conversations with Lampard that made him realise a move to Stamford Bridge was the right call.

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“It was a strange time, we couldn't meet each other and we met each other here [at Chelsea’s training ground] for the first time because of the virus,” said Werner.

“But he called me a lot, we had a lot of conversations, he texted me a lot and he sent me some videos where he could show me what style of football he wants to play.

"So for me those were important things to know about moving to a new club.

“Because I loved to play for Leipzig and everything was well for me there. So it was really important for me to come to a team with a vision that fits my style of football.

“And I think the whole Premier League fits very well to my style of football, because it's so fast, and fast players have really good space to go there and play well.

“And it was really important that he (Lampard) gave me the feeling that the system he wants to play will fit me very well.

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“The conversation with him was also really important, he's a very nice and calm guy, who makes it clear what he wants and what his football style is.

“And he makes it clear that you're not only a player but also a person.

“Not like a friend because he's the manager and you have to have a respectful relationship. But also he sees you the other way, as a person, not just as a footballer, so that was really impressive for me and that's one of the reasons why I came here.”