Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel admits German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are playing for their futures at the club.
Both players have failed to set the world on fire since arriving from Bundesliga for big money last summer.
And Tuchel says the club must start to see a return on their significant investment.
He said: “They have a lot of potential, at the same time the club demands a lot of them and I can understand.
“We spent a lot of money, they spent a lot of money, it is time to step up and fight for it.”
Tuchel added he has faith that both players can succeed at Stamford Bridge.
“They fit into any plans of any manager because they have strong potential, strong talent and it is obvious,” Tuchel continued.
“I think, first of all, they did a brave decision to go abroad to jump out of their comfort zone.
“Timo was the top guy in Leipzig, Kai was the top, go-to guy in Leverkusen. To jump abroad to go to the most demanding league in Europe, to go to a club like Chelsea where people demand results, where people demand, expect even, titles if possible. It is a huge step out of your comfort zone.
“So, first of all, I talked to them. I like this decision because stepping out of your comfort zone creates energy and gives you energy and maybe makes you uncomfortable and this is maybe exactly what you need to reach the next level.
“You have maybe experienced weeks and days where you doubt it and you were not happy, but this is the process of change and when you want to grow as players and when you want to leave your footprints, this is a strong, strong decision. Let’s walk the talk.
“I will try to help you. I will try to push you I will try to guide you and be at your side and support when needed.
“Of course maybe it has been a bit easier because I am German and they are German – but in the end it’s like any player, they need confidence, they need trust, an honest approach. Sometimes they need the truth from you – even if they don’t like it.”
