Former Germany star slams Timo Werner decision to join Chelsea early

Ex-Bayern captain Stefan Effenberg has criticised Timo Werner for being reluctant to see out RB Leipzig’s Champions League season in favour of joining Chelsea in July.

Timo Werner who will join the blues when the German league ends said he won’t be available to turn out for RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in August.

The forward has been in red hot form for RB Leipzig and being without him for the latter stages of the UCL is sure to be a blow for the German club and it is a decision that Stefan cannot understand.

The ex-Germany star holds the view that in leaving before his side’s Champions League campaign is complete, Timo is letting his team-mates down and throwing a golden opportunity away.

“This is a Champions League quarter-final. You don’t throw that away”, Stefan said on Sport1’s Doppelpass.

“He is leaving behind a great opportunity and is also letting his team-mates, with whom he achieved this, down a bit.”

Die Roten Bullen saw off Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham side in the last 16 of the competition, with Werner scoring in the first leg of the tie, in the capital.

In other news, Chelsea have announced that midfielder Mario Pasalic has signed for Atalanta BC on a permanent basis.

Despite signing for the Blues as far back as 2014, Pasalic has never made a senior team appearance for the Blues in a competitive match.

However, the 25-year-old star is currently established as one of the best midfielders in the league, contributing 10 goals from 57 games since 2018.