German media drop fresh Nick Woltemade bombshell - here’s the Newcastle United truth
German outlet Bild have once again stirred the pot regarding Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade.
German media have once again suggested that Nick Woltemade is unhappy with his current Newcastle United role. And in fresh bombshell claims, the striker is now reportedly frustrated at Eddie Howe’s tone when speaking to the media.
The Toon boss called for Woltemade to deliver “more” following the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. Howe started the £69million signing behind Will Osula in attack before withdrawing him on the hour mark.
“It wasn’t a dramatic change of system from Brighton (a week earlier),” Howe told reporters post-match. “It was the same shape, but obviously, for Nick, it was probably one of a handful of times that he’s played that role for us from the start. He played with Will, and they haven’t played too much together either.
“I thought there were some promising bits for Nick, although he probably didn’t get involved as much as we wanted him to in that first half. Certainly, technically, I think we need to see his best qualities. We need to see him on the ball.
“I thought in the second half, we did really well as a team. We improved and became more of a goal threat as the game went on.”
Woltemade joining Newcastle angered sections of the German media as well as several top Bayern Munich officials. He ultimately silenced remarks about his transfer fee by scoring four goals in his first five Premier League games.
However, a shift into midfield since the turn of the year has resulted in just one strike in 24 appearances across all competitions. This has given the media in his home country fresh ammunition to stir the spot.
The Nick Woltemade truth
Bild claim once again that Woltemade is becoming concerned with his limited role on Tyneside. Only this time, they reference a new-found frustration at Howe’s rhetoric in press conferences.
As reported by NewcastleWorld last week, the Magpies maintain faith in Woltemade as a long-term investment. It is understood that the 6ft 6in striker remains “super professional” around Benton and there are no signs of discontent.
‘It bothers me’ - Nick Woltemade fires back
Woltemade fired back at the doubters on international duty last month. The Toon ace admitted he prefers to play up front but has been able to “expand his repertoire” under Howe.
“It bothers me,” Woltemade said when asked about the criticism. “If someone claims that I’m in a slump, I’d argue that this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games.
“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 metres from the opponent’s goal. I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season.
“Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space. Of course, I score far fewer goals now. But I’m completely relaxed. I don’t mind expanding my repertoire. And I’m convinced that, in the long run, it will make me stronger if I learn to navigate phases like this.”