Eddie Howe issues honest Nick Woltemade verdict after dropping him for Newcastle vs Barcelona

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was pleased with Nick Woltemade’s reaction to being benched for their Champions League clash with Barcelona. 

Woltemade did not start for Newcastle United against Barcelona despite scoring the winner on his Premier League debut against Wolves a few days earlier. 

Howe has confirmed that he is simply managing Woltemade’s minutes, with the German striker complaining of feeling cramp around an hour into his debut. 

Still, the decision has been questioned. Newcastle wasted some fine chances in the first half of their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona and would surely have scored from one of them with a striker on the pitch. 

Though Anthony Gordon ended up scoring late on, that came after he had reverted to his natural left-wing position.

Hopefully, Woltemade starts against Bournemouth on Sunday. Indeed, Howe was impressed with his contribution off the bench on Thursday. 

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Eddie Howe happy with Nick Woltemade’s form  

The Newcastle United manager reflected on the Barca game while looking ahead to Sunday’s trip to the south coast. 

Howe revealed he was very happy with the forward’s showing against Barcelona, again suggesting the decision to bench him was fitness related.

The Magpies boss told a press conference: “I thought he did well when he came on today.

“I was really pleased with him. He was involved in the goal so, yeah, hopefully he’ll be in a good place.” 

Nick Woltemade stats for Newcastle United against Barcelona

The Germany striker was involved in Gordon’s goal, playing a part in a free-flowing team move towards the closing stages of the game.

As per FotMob data, the 23-year-old created one chance from just nine touches of the ball and also drew a foul. 

However, he didn’t actually have a touch in Barcelona’s box – although that was largely because the Spanish champions were keeping the ball so well.

Though clearly not a disaster of a performance by any means, it was something of a reality check for everyone at the club after his dream debut against Wolves.