Former Germany international Timo Werner has opened up about the severe mental toll of facing years of public criticism and crowd hostility during his professional career, revealing it left him moments of profound personal struggle.
Werner, who currently plays for San José Earthquakes in Major League Soccer, detailed the extent of the abuse he endured, particularly during his time with RB Leipzig, in an interview on the podcast “The Late Run,” Welt.de reported. His comments shed light on the rarely discussed psychological pressures faced by high-profile athletes.
Werner Describes ‘Really Hard’ Period of Abuse
“I have experienced a lot of shit in my career. I also had to go through a lot of shit in Germany. There were moments when I was at home and really on the ground,” Werner stated, according to the podcast transcript reviewed by Welt.de.
The 30-year-old striker described the constant nature of the fan animosity, which followed him to stadiums across the country. “I asked myself: What the hell? No matter which stadium I go to, I’m booed everywhere,” he said. “They sang songs about me, constantly made things up — it was really hard.”
Werner explained that the rejection was a persistent feature of his life on the road. “In no city I went to could I be left in peace,” he added. Looking back, he expressed pride in how he persevered through that difficult period.
The Schalke Incident That Defined His Reputation
The turning point in his relationship with a section of German football fans, Werner said, was a single controversial incident. He pointed to a simulation, or “Schwalbe,” during a match against FC Schalke 04 in December 2016 as the catalyst for years of animosity.
“In Germany, I went through a lot because I made a dive once. After that, they were after me for years,” Werner reflected. “It was similar at Chelsea. I missed a few chances and then they had it in for me.”
In the 2019/20 Bundesliga season, he scored 28 goals for RB Leipzig, cementing his status as one of Germany’s most potent attackers. His form led to a transfer to Chelsea FC, where he won the Champions League in 2021.
A Career Marked by Highs and Public Scrutiny
Werner’s career has been defined by remarkable achievements and intense public examination. He earned 57 caps for the German national team and has played at the highest levels in Germany, England, and now the United States.
His journey began with VfB Stuttgart before moving to RB Leipzig in 2016. The move to the East German club intensified the scrutiny he faced. His time at Chelsea, while successful, brought a new wave of criticism after he missed several key chances, which he said made him a target for fans.
Now in MLS with San José Earthquakes, Timo Werner has spoken openly about the Belastungen through jahrelange Anfeindungen and Pfiffe in his career as a professional athlete.
FAQ
- When did Timo Werner say he faced the worst abuse?
- Werner stated the abuse was particularly severe during his time with RB Leipzig, following his transfer from Stuttgart in 2016, and continued into his early spell at Chelsea.
- What specific event does Werner blame for the negative reaction from fans?
- He cited a simulation, or “Schwalbe,” during a match against FC Schalke 04 in December 2016, which he believes made him a “reizfigur,” or lightning rod, for criticism.
- How many goals did Timo Werner score for RB Leipzig in his best season?
- In the 2019/20 season, he scored 28 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig, a statistic that highlights his elite form during a difficult personal period.
- What major trophy did Timo Werner win with Chelsea?
- He won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, a significant achievement in his club career.
- How many international caps did Timo Werner earn for Germany?
- Werner amassed 57 caps for the German national team during his international career.
