News Focus
- Julian Nagelsmann says Nick Woltemade plays too deep at Newcastle United
- Germany coach claims the striker often stands 70 metres away from the opponent’s goal
- Nagelsmann believes Germany’s tactics will suit the 24-year-old better than Newcastle’s system
- Woltemade scored his first Premier League goal of 2025 in the 3-1 win against West Ham
- The forward could start against Finland with Kai Havertz unavailable due to Champions League final duties
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has raised fresh concerns about how Newcastle United use Nick Woltemade. The national team coach believes the Premier League side plays the striker too far from the opponent’s goal.
Speaking on Wednesday ahead of the World Cup, Nagelsmann explained that the 24-year-old often finds himself 70 metres away from the net. This distance makes it difficult for him to get into scoring positions.
The Germany boss first made these comments in March. At that time, he defended Woltemade against critics in England. He stated that Newcastle’s tactics did not match the player’s strengths.
Nagelsmann used the recent match against West Ham as an example. Newcastle won 3-1 and Woltemade scored his first league goal of the calendar year. However, the coach noted that the striker started attacks from wide areas. The ball reached the penalty box too quickly for him to join the attack.
The Germany manager said he was not criticising Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe. He stated that every manager has their own style. But he explained that Germany’s system suits Woltemade better than Newcastle’s counter-attacking approach.
“We will play in a way that helps him,” Nagelsmann said. “He will be closer to the goal.” He added that the forward has already scored many times and played well for Germany.
DFB sporting director Rudi Völler also spoke at the press conference. He talked about Woltemade’s busy year. The player won the German Cup with Stuttgart before moving to England. He then joined the national team. Now he is preparing for his first World Cup.
“He has grown so much this year,” Völler said. “Now he must enjoy this moment.”
Woltemade could play against Finland on Sunday. Kai Havertz will miss the friendly because he is playing in the Champions League final with Arsenal. This gives Woltemade a chance to start up front.