Timo Werner responds to comments from Bayern boss Hasan Salihamidzic
Timo Werner has reacted to Bayern München boss Hasan Salihamidzic's recent comments about him.
RB Leipzig star Timo Werner has responded to statements from Bayern München sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic who said he isn't sure the 23-year-old would be a good fit for the German champions because he needs space to thrive.
Robert Lewandowski, on the other hand, is 'perfect' for Bayern's playing style because 'he has the ability to move in tight spaces and find excellent solutions with the ball,' said the Bayern boss.
However, speaking to Bild, Werner says he believes Lewandowski was quite similar to him as a player when he joined Bayern München from Borussia Dortmund in 2014.
"I think everyone are entitled to their opinion. But regardless of what he said, Bayern have players like Serge [Gnabry] and Kingsley [Coman] who use their speed on the wings to run in behind. He's obviously right about the fact that Lewandowski is a great striker and that they're very well-positioned up front. But I also think Lewandowski has changed his playing style over the years. He's playing in tight spaces at Bayern, but used to play quick-transition football under [Jürgen] Klopp at Dortmund," Werner said and added:
"Lewandowski used to be a type of player similar to me who moves in behind and switches quickly. Sure, when you get older, you might not be as lively as you used to be, but he still had to adapt to Bayern's philosophy and develop further, because they are much more on the ball.
"I can only speak about and for myself: I'm 23 and can still learn a lot of things. But in Leipzig, I have often shown that I can score against teams that defend deep and that I can move well in tight spaces," Werner said.
According to reports, Bayern could have snapped up Werner for just €25 million last summer thanks to a release clause, but chose not to.