Thomas Tuchel tells reporters to 'read a book' in response to Timo Werner exit rumours

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has dismissed rumours that misfiring striker Timo Werner wants to leave Stamford Bridge, defending the Germany international's performances and telling reporters to 'read a book' instead.

The 25-year-old has struggled during his first season in England, scoring only five goals in 28 league appearances for the Blues. And this poor form has led many to question whether the former RB Leipzig star wants to knuckle down in west London, or make a hasty retreat back to Germany.

But Tuchel was in no mood to discuss Werner's future during a press conference ahead of Chelsea's Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, instructing reporters to 'read a book', rather than read transfer gossip.

"Stop reading, stop reading, what do you read? Read a book," he barked, when asked about Werner's unhappiness with the Blues.

"There is no book about Timo Werner. So read a book."

But Tuchel didn't end the chapter there, as he went on to suggest Werner shouldn't be 'too frustrated' with his time at Chelsea, although he did admit he hasn't thought about 'what is going to be in the summer or next year', regarding the forward's future.

"There is simply no time to reflect on what is going to be in summer or next year. At the moment I don’t see why he should be frustrated. We gave him a little bit of time to breathe against Leeds.

"It was hard for him to come on, so he was not too much involved in the last 20 minutes because it was not our best game, but right now I don’t see why he should be too frustrated."

Tuchel also praised the Germany international for his performances against Liverpool and Everton, describing his shift against the Reds as 'maybe his best match' since the former Paris Saint-Germain coach walked through the doors.

"For Timo, I think he has no reason now to be frustrated because he had an amazing match against Liverpool, maybe his best match since I arrived.

"Then he had a good match against Everton, with a lot of chances to score, which he normally is clinical enough and strong enough. He did not score. Okay, this sticks in a situation like this. This can affect his self-confidence, of course, but what does it help?"

Chelsea and Werner's next test comes in the shape of Atleti on Wednesday evening, where the Blues hold an away goal advantage heading into their home tie with Los Rojiblancos.