Why Timo Werner may not start against Bayern Munich in the Supercup

364 days ago, Timo Werner returned to RB Leipzig from Chelsea. But with just nine goals in 27 Bundesliga games last season and yet to score in pre-season, Werner is threatened with a place on the bench in the DFL Supercup against Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Preparation for Werner, who is Leipzig’s record scorer with 111 goals, couldn’t have gone any worse. While the 27-year-old has been unlucky in front of goal during pre-season, both Benjamin Šeško and Lois Openda have both shone and as a result, Marco Rose has a decision to make against Bayern Munich.

According to Bild, Werner could find himself on the bench with Šeško and Openda both starting on Saturday. RB Leipzig reached an agreement with RB Salzburg last summer to sign Šeško in 2023 and in pre-season, the Slovenian has scored three goals. Openda, who joined Leipzig from Lens for a club record €43m, has scored seven goals in pre-season, with both forwards – who have different attributes – high on confidence.

Leipzig’s attack with Šeško and Openda would be far more variable. In Šeško, Rose has a target player who can hold up play and is dangerous when attacking the ball, while Openda has pace that could cause Bayern’s defence numerous problems, while remaining clinical in the penalty area.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder