English Bundesliga

Timo Werner: It’s a dream to be German champions

RB Leipzig is leading the Bundesliga table during the winter break at the moment, and Timo Werner believes it’s a crucial lead in order to fulfill his dream of becoming German champions at the end of the season.

For him, it’s even more significant to be ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund who were used to winning the league.

“I think there’s nothing better in Germany than becoming German champions. That’s the final stage.

“That might not be the case for clubs like Dortmund or Bayern, but for another club it’s something special, as you’ve proven you’ve beat the two best clubs in Germany and done that for a whole year.

“Of course, it’s a dream in Germany to become German champions.”

There could be many reason why Leipzig is in fine form at the moment, but Werner said it was all because of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who joined from Hoffenheim in the previous summer.

“He’s a very relaxed guy whom you can talk to about football and other things really well.

“You can joke around with him too. He’s also very chilled out. That’s suited us very well and I think his footballing ideas fit in well. He’s very good for our young team and play style.”

Werner joined Leipzig in 2016 for €10 million from Stuttgart.

He has scored 18 goals this season, and this is his seventh year in the Bundesliga, despite being only 23 years old.

“To have so many Bundesliga games under my belt at such a young age is of course something special.

“When you get to 23, you realise just how long you’ve played in the Bundesliga. I think it’s my seventh season now.

“When I think about it, it’s been a nice experience, even though it’s gone so quickly. At 23, I’ve still got a few years ahead of me of course, but you notice how quickly time flies.”