Timo Werner of Chelsea: If I didn't ignore the critics, I wouldn't be able to play.

Timo Werner, a Chelsea attacker, believes it would be hard for him to play if he couldn't deal with the criticism he receives. 

The Germany international spoke out after scoring twice in a 4-0 win against North Macedonia on Monday night, helping his country become the first team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after hosts Qatar. 

Werner has five goals in his last five international appearances, but his recent form contrasts sharply with that which he has displayed since joining Chelsea for £53 million from RB Leipzig in June last year. 

The transfer was also a coup for Liverpool, as Werner scored just six goals in 35 Premier League games last season despite starting 29 of them.

Romelu Lukaku's £97.5 million summer transfer from Inter Milan has limited his opportunities this season, and despite starting the season opener against Crystal Palace, he has started the next four Premier League games on the bench. 

Werner did score and dazzle in Chelsea's 3-1 win over Southampton, and he stated on Monday night how he never questions his abilities, regardless of what others say. 

“It has to roll off your back, because if I had been thinking about the days too much, I wouldn't have been able to play today,” he said.

The barrel will eventually run dry. I know what I'm capable of, so I approach each game with that mindset." 

Werner went scoreless in Friday's 2-1 win against Romania, a rare blank on the international stage for him recently, and manager Hansi Flick questioned his positioning in that game.

Despite this, Werner was full of praise for Flick's assistance. 

"He's perfect for me." "It helps every player if a coach likes and trusts you," Werner added. 

"It's very important for me to be trusted externally as a striker." I'm attempting to repay it, and I hope to be able to do so in the future."