When Alexander Isak departed Newcastle United last summer, it was always going to be a mammoth task for his replacement to come close to matching the Swede as a goalscoring threat.
It’s not been an easy transition, but Nick Woltemade has done a good job in the circumstances: 10 goals in all competitions is a solid return for the Bundesliga import, particularly with a good chunk of the season left to play.
Saturday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa saw the big man score his first goal since our 2-2 draw with Chelsea in December, giving him some much-needed relief after a tough few months in front of goal.
But despite this recent lapse in form, Woltemade has revealed how Newcastle fans have supported him through some difficult periods, making h
In a feature interview with GQ Magazine, Woltemade has revealed just how much he needed the support from the fans and the club after he went through one of the lowest points of his professional career earlier in the campaign.
Woltemade’s freak own goal against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light ultimately ended up deciding the Tyne-Wear derby, and the big German did receive a lot of flack online and within the media for his role in the 1-0 loss.
Thankfully however, the club and the fanbase rallied around the former Stuttgart striker, much to Woltemade’s own relief.
“It was a bad, bad feeling. I’d never scored an own goal before. I was thinking – wow, maybe the fans will destroy me!
“But when I came into the dressing room, I looked at my phone and saw only good messages, which helped me a lot – because of course I understand it was a very important game. I was so thankful, it showed me I’m in the right place.”
“A week later, the whole crowd was singing my songs. This is not normal! It just shows the personality of the fans.
“The own goal could have f***** up my season and derailed me. Instead, it led to the best feeling.”
Woltemade on Isak saga
In a huge summer where some of Europe’s top attacking prospects made the move to England, like Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, there was some speculation over whether or not Woltemade could adequately fill the big shoes left by Isak after his departure for Liverpool.
But Woltemade, whose calm, collected demeanour is clear for all to see, has rose to the challenge, and hasn’t let Isak’s legacy affect the way he plays or make him feel pressured at this stage of his young career.
“Of course, I knew that there was something going on about Isak. But honestly, in England people just care about English football and in Germany, it is the same.
“So I was not realising that the situation was so hard. But I felt it directly when I came. People were so happy that they got a new striker.
“I went to an away game (Leeds) as a spectator and the fans went crazy! They all ran into me and sang songs about me. Of course, I knew there was pressure because I came for a lot of money. But I liked it.”
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