Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade reveals what he’s ‘not happy’ about after first Germany goal

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Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has lifted the lid on why he has not been pleased with his performances for Germany to date. 

Woltemade, who became Newcastle United’s record signing in August, scored his first goal at senior level for his country on Monday night. 

Indeed, Germany beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Belfast. The Newcastle star scored the only goal of the game, with an attempted header coming off his shoulder when attacking a corner. 

The 23-year-old has six caps for his country and despite finishing as the top scorer in the U21 European Championships earlier this summer, has been criticised by prominent figures in the German footballing landscape. 

Now, he’s opened up on how he feels about his Germany career to date. 

• Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign

Nick Woltemade not happy about his performances for Germany 

The forward was speaking to German media after the game.

He admitted his goal against Northern Ireland was “very significant”, with the scrappy nature of the game summed up by his slightly unorthodox finish.

Woltemade also revealed that he’s not been happy with the level of his performances for the German national team thus far.  

“It was very important for me to score my first international goal today,” he said (via The Athletic).

“Personally, I’m not happy so far with my performances for Germany. It’s actually fitting that I scored with my shoulder. It was not a good game, but you have to win them, too.”

Of his goal, Woltemade said: “Yes, very significant. I think it sounds very good — a goal for the national team, especially for the senior A team.

“I’ve played for many youth national teams, and to score now for the highest national team, yeah, it’s great. Also, especially because the last few games here weren’t exactly easy for me, maybe. That’s why I’m very happy that I was finally able to contribute a goal.

“It’s definitely more comfortable. I think for the media, it’s always quite a pleasant topic when a striker hasn’t scored a goal. For the player, not so much. Especially as a striker. That’s why, honestly, I didn’t concern myself with it that much.

“Of course, I noticed that it was coming a bit from the outside, but that’s the life of a striker — it’s often like that. That’s why it always feels good when the ball is finally in the net.”

Nick Woltemade handed Newcastle United a major boost before the international break

It’s brilliant to have seen the forward take his club form onto the international stage.

The former Stuttgart striker has enjoyed a remarkable start to life on Tyneside, bagging four goals in his opening six games for the club.

Luckily for Eddie Howe, he’s only just getting started. 

Woltemade admitted he’s feeling fitter now, having initially struggled with the physicality of the Premier League. 

That can only be a good thing for Newcastle. To have made this start without feeling fully up to speed has been mightily impressive. It’ll be even more exciting to see what happens from here.