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Werner: I want to reach Salah, Firmino & Mane’s level

Mohamed Salah, Timo Werner, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
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Timo Werner revealed how Liverpool’s star trio influenced his decision to join Chelsea and his hopes of emulating them.

Liverpool were among Werner’s suitors for the summer transfer window as the German became the most in-demand striker in European football following a prolific campaign for Bundesliga title hopefuls RB Leipzig.

A move to Anfield was widely expected at one point, with many tipping the club’s German coach Jurgen Klopp as a key factor. But a moment’s hesitation was all it took for Chelsea to turn the tide in their favor. They immediately seized the initiative, with Frank Lampard selling Werner on his interest and plans.

The Blues later sealed a €53m deal to bring ‘Turbo Timo’ over to Stamford Bridge instead. He joined several new recruits at the club this summer, including compatriot Kai Havertz.

But while speaking to Bild during an interview, Werner acknowledged the lure of Klopp’s interest. However, he also disclosed that the Reds’ current strike trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane made him reconsider.

The former Stuttgart star wants to reach the very top of the football world, similar to Liverpool’s star forwards. Therefore, he felt Chelsea would be a better platform to build on his development.

“It would be a lie to say with regard to such top players that it would have been easy to get past them directly,” said Werner.

“It’s not like I got there and could have said: ‘Hello, I’m Timo, and from now on I always play here!’

“I would have had to prove myself over a longer period of time, in which I initially might have been behind at first. My goal is to get to the level of such players. And I see an opportunity at Chelsea. I’m 24 years old, so I have to play.

“At Leipzig, I was also a bit spoiled in this regard, as I never had to miss a game when I was physically able to play. You get a taste that you don’t want to miss anymore.”

Werner will face Liverpool for the first time in the Premier League later this evening in London.

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