Overview

• Timo Werner was named to RB Leipzig’s matchday squad for the first time this season in a 3-1 win over Köln but remained an unused substitute.
• Coach Ole Werner said selection depends on training performance and noted others are currently ahead of Werner after his difficult preseason.
• Lothar Matthäus argued Werner’s 2020 transfer to Chelsea came too early and said the lack of a warm environment in England hurt his development.
• Leipzig supporters repeatedly chanted Werner’s name during warm-ups, and the striker acknowledged the reception with applause.
• Werner is Leipzig’s record scorer with 113 goals in 213 games, his contract runs until next summer, and his last Bundesliga appearance for the club was in November 2023 before a loan to Tottenham.