Werner on MLS plans: "Would like to be a leader"

From the plane to the starting eleven

In San José, Werner also sees himself as a bit of a development aid. "I don't want to be a player who comes from Europe and says I won the Champions League," said the 57-time international. "I want to be a team player and a leader and help the lads."

Despite his CV, he doesn't see himself as a set player. "Every time I've changed clubs, it's been a new start," said Werner. "You always have to prove yourself anew. It doesn't matter whether you've scored 50 goals or zero before. In a new team, you start from scratch." It is a new chapter in his life and he wants to show what he can do.

When this chapter will actually begin is still open. For family reasons, Werner will remain in Leipzig for a few more weeks and train with RB. San José's first game of the new season is against Kansas City on February 22. "We have to wait for the visa, that usually takes a few weeks. He won't be here until just before the game," said coach Bruce Arena. He and Werner had already joked about it: "He wants to get off the plane and play right away."