“It was tough to get off the plane and onto the training pitch. I’m still only sleeping six hours every night,” Werner said after the match. “But it’s worth it to play in front of this crowd, enjoy the football here, and win at the end.”
MLS’s Biggest Wild Card
Werner stands out as a typical MLS player: a global star with Champions League experience seeking a fresh start.
What distinguishes Werner from other MLS icons like Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller is that they came to the league later in their careers, while Werner arrived at 29, still in excellent condition and with plenty of talent remaining.
It’s uncommon to see a well-known player like Werner join MLS at this stage. However, his unique career includes high moments, such as winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2022, and low points, like a disappointing loan with Tottenham Hotspur in 2025. While European teams noted his inconsistency, for San Jose and coach Bruce Arena, it presented a significant chance.
Arena is well-regarded in American soccer, known for being an excellent man-manager who has revitalized the careers of many struggling players. Under his leadership, players like Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez flourished at San Jose in 2025. Werner could achieve similar success under Arena.
“As a person, he’s like a father figure—not just for me but for everyone,” Werner said of Arena. “Everyone respects him because of what he did in his career and how he connects with players. Not many guys are so open to the players.”
With both Werner and Arena bringing considerable talent, their partnership could be fruitful. If Arena successfully helps Werner rediscover his top form, San Jose, with its energetic young team, may surprise many in MLS come 2026.
A Fascinating Opportunity
San Jose was the weakest team in MLS in 2024. With Arena’s appointment for the 2025 season, they quickly became competitive again, narrowly missing a Western Conference playoff spot on a tiebreaker. This was a remarkable turnaround for a club that seemed lost before his arrival.
While 2025 was encouraging for San Jose, 2026 promises to be even better. The team took measures to improve its defense, addressing issues with conceding goals and adding attacking players who can also defend. Just two games into the 2026 season, Arena’s San Jose has a perfect record: two wins, five goals scored, and no goals conceded.
This success occurred without Werner at full fitness. As he acclimates to San Jose and the league, the team’s potential could be significant—and that unpredictability is exactly what Werner and San Jose are looking for.
San Jose will continue its MLS campaign on Saturday, March 7, against the Philadelphia Union.