Tuchel: Timo Werner showed he is still important to Chelsea

scored two goals in Chelsea's 6-0 thumping of

on Saturday, demonstrating why he is still a key player for the Blues. Werner's £47.5 million transfer from

to Stamford Bridge in June 2020 hasn't worked out for him, despite his double at St Mary's giving him nine

Premier League

goals in 51 games.

Werner might have easily added to his tally against Southampton - he hit the post three times in the first half – but Mason Mount's double, as well as goals from Marcos Alonso and

Kai Havertz

, ensured a resounding victory.

His recent comments that he feels "more comfortable" playing for Germany, combined with his dismal form, have placed doubt on the striker's future at

Chelsea

. Tuchel, on the other hand, believes Werner's performance against the Saints demonstrated exactly what he can bring to the Blues.

Tuchel explained, "It was his position, it was the players around him, the relationship with Mason, Kai, Kova [Mateo Kovacic] — he loves to play with and has a connection to the teammates. As a double striker in the half-left position, it was an opponent against whom we could find holes in behind because they were a high-attacking squad.

"It wasn't in a 4-1-4-1 on the side, but it was set up for him to deliver. Everything was in place for him to deliver and make a message that he had not given up and that he is still a vital member of this club and group. Chelsea made a strong comeback after losing 4-1 to Brentford in the Premier League the previous weekend and losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Tuchel believes the Blues' recent success demonstrates that they can't afford to not have their priorities straight when they get onto the field, as they will be punished if they don't.

"If our input isn't 80 to 90% of energy, passion, and engagement, I believe it tells us that we aren't the team to get success. When our priorities are in order, we are a unique group "Tuchel stated. "We are a powerful group and have [every] right to believe in ourselves if we are devoted, defend with guts, have the correct attitude and hunger, and are clear that this is our foundation to exhibit the quality.

"Because we come from a harsh schedule, it's not always easy for us to have this hunger and devotion. It's not about criticizing the players; I understand why it was difficult for us following the international break, but it only goes to show that if we get this right and demonstrate our quality, that's what makes us dangerous."

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