It has been clear since the end of January that Timo Werner is moving to the MLS. However, he has not yet trained with his new teammates. According to his coach Bruce Arena, that won’t stop him from wanting to play immediately.
260 games in the Bundesliga, 87 games in the Premier League, 43 appearances in the Champions League, and 57 international caps: Timo Werner has already experienced a lot in his career. Nevertheless, he faces a double first this weekend: he could play for his new club San Jose Earthquakes for the first time and celebrate his MLS debut.
It was already officially announced at the end of January that the 29-year-old would be leaving Germany and signing with California. However, the speedy striker was only given his send-off last Sunday before RB Leipzig’s 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg. Werner also completed his training sessions in Saxony until the very end because the necessary documents were missing. “We have to wait for the visa, which usually takes a few weeks,” SID quotes Quakes coach Bruce Arena as saying.
Ahead of San Jose’s season opener against Sporting Kansas City early Sunday morning (4:30 a.m.), Werner still seems hopeful of playing. At least that’s how his coach perceived it. “He wants to get off the plane and play right away,” Arena said, looking ahead to his team’s season opener. Werner himself was also aggressive ahead of his US adventure: “I’m bringing my hunger with me. I’m also bringing the knowledge and confidence that I’ve already won something.” It’s an experience that the Champions League and DFB Cup winner wants to bring to California. “I want to be a team player and a leader and help the guys,” he announced during his presentation.
Werner follows Schäfer’s advice
This was no longer possible for the new father in Leipzig. At the Saxon club, where he had once celebrated his breakthrough as a young up-and-comer from VfB Stuttgart, he had increasingly been sidelined. In December, Leipzig’s managing director Marcel Schäfer finally publicly advised him to make a change. “If he wants playing time, it might be time for a change,” Schäfer told Sky about the situation of the Stuttgart native.
Werner has now followed this advice and wants to finally break out of his career slump in North America. An endeavor that could begin as early as Sunday morning, fresh off the plane.
