Eddie Howe demands a lot physically from his Newcastle United players.
There is being fit, then there is being fit enough to play for Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle United play with incredible intensity, having become famous for their relentless pressing. On top of that, the Magpies are having to press more and more as they compete in multiple competitions.
Howe is having to juggle his squad, while he is still waiting for some of his summer signings to well and truly get up to speed.
That is certainly the case with Nick Woltemade, who has enjoyed a bright start to life on Tyneside since becoming Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.
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Eddie Howe says fitness is holding Nick Woltemade back
The 23-year-old has done well so far, but Howe believes there is an incredible amount more to come from his £69million striker.
Howe spoke about Woltemade ahead of facing Bradford City in the Carabao Cup, admitting that the Germany international is going to become more and more influential once he gets his fitness up to the required level.
“I think Nick has made a really good start,” he said.
“Nick will improve the fitter he gets, firstly. That is a huge thing. He has come to us not being used to the demands of Premier League football. This league is relentless, physically. And our schedule is relentless.
“In terms of us doing physical work with him, that’s very difficult. A lot of what we will be doing in the short-term is to try keep him fit by not putting him in dangerous positions in terms of playing consecutive 90 minutes too early.
“Fitness will be an issue, because the Premier League is different. That’s the biggest thing for him. Once he gets fitter you will see an even better product.”
What Nick Woltemade said about his fitness after his Newcastle United debut
Woltemade enjoyed a perfect Newcastle debut. He was thrust into the starting XI against Wolves, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.
It was a dream start for the giant striker, who got an immediate introduction to the intensity of Premier League football. In fact, it resulted in him being substituted and replaced by Will Osula in the 65th minute.
That was a fitness decision rather than a tactical one, with Woltemade admitting he was already suffering from cramp within an hour of his Newcastle United debut.
“The Premier League was quite hard,” he told BBC Sport.
“I had to go off because I had cramps. But for the first game I think it’s okay. I had to come in and it was amazing.”
That resulted in him starting on the bench against Barcelona, as Howe does his best protect him. That is even more imperative at a time when Yoane Wissa is injured.
Wissa’s knee issue is proving to be very problematic, as it is forcing Howe to use Woltemade more than he would have intended to so early into his Toon career.
Despite playing more than anticipated, Woltemade has been impressive. That is encouraging, as Howe expects him to get even better once he is fitter.
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