Julian Nagelsmann sends stern message as Newcastle United star Nick Woltemade struggles for Germany

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Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade endured a difficult night on Thursday as Germany lost to Slovakia.

This was his first game since becoming Newcastle’s most expensive signing, swapping the Bundesliga for the Premier League in a £69million deal.

Newcastle are very excited about Nick Woltemade, and Toon fans were desperate to see him in action for his country on Thursday night. They got their wish too, with the 23-year-old named in Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI.

However, it was a night to forget for Woltemade and the four-time World Cup winners. The new Newcastle United striker played the full 90 minutes, but was unable to find a way past former Toon stopper Martin Dubravka.

Slovakia won 2-0, with Woltemade described as ‘invisible’ by the German media. He was part of a Germany team that really struggled, and manager Julian Nagelsmann was not happy with his side at all.

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Germany’s attitude is questioned after Nick Woltemade starts

Following Germany’s World Cup qualifier loss to Slovakia, Nagelsmann questioned his side’s attitude during an interview with Kicker.

“If we start with very simple things like emotion,” he said.

“The opponent was miles ahead from the first to the last minute. The opponent also brought more football to the pitch with more emotion.

“We’re not in a position to come here and play everything at 80 percent, that’s not possible. If we don’t bring the emotionality, we can close the book. Footballing quality doesn’t matter.”

Nagelsmann’s criticism is aimed at his Germany team as a whole, not just Woltemade. It is only the third time that he has played for the senior side, scoring zero goals so far.

The defeat was Germany’s first away loss in a World Cup qualifier for 52 games.

Have Germany qualified for the World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is on the horizon, but it remains to be seen if Germany will be there.

They are yet to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but there is a key reason why. Germany’s defeat to Slovakia was actually their first qualifier ahead of next summer’s tournament.

Nagelsmann’s side still have plenty of time to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, with their next qualifier coming up on Sunday night. They face Northern Ireland in Cologne.

Woltemade will hope to get another chance to lead the line for his country, as he continues his quest to open his account at international level. Newcastle United fans will be keen for him to do so, as it will give him a huge confidence boost ahead of his potential Toon debut against Wolves the following weekend.