Alexander Isak left reeling by Newcastle replacement as telling fitness claim made | Football | Sport
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has opened up about his fitness battles with the Magpies since replacing Alexander Isak. The forward already has a better goal tally than his predecessor in the Premier League, having scored four times since arriving on Tyneside. He was on target against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, finding the top corner with a perfect penalty in the closing stages.
Woltemade’s absence from the starting eleven and early substitutions in certain matches have baffled supporters regarding Eddie Howe’s tactical choices. However, the striker has now shed light on his physical struggles since his late August arrival from Stuttgart. It is believed that Woltemade has been adapting to the intensity of the Premier League in contrast to the Bundesliga’s tempo.
Despite being withdrawn from the Germany squad due to illness, the 23-year-old is confident he will be ready for the clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after the international break.
“That was the first game I could play without cramps, for the first time in a long time, I had energy,” he said.
“We have worked on that very well. We don’t have too many training sessions, so that is why it has been difficult. Of course, I want to come in every week and be much better.”
Woltemade also revealed details about his heated penalty row in Belgium when he requested to take the spot-kick against Union SG, only for Anthony Gordon to convert instead.
He commented: “I am a striker and I want to take penalties. Anthony Gordon did really well, but I just want us to score goals.
“He did it really well against Union SG. But he wasn’t on the pitch, so I thought: ‘OK, I will take the ball’. I am really happy I took this one [against Forest].”
Woltemade has made a swift impact in easing concerns after Isak’s exit and already feels at home at Newcastle.
“I’ve only been here four weeks, but I have a really good connection,” he added. “You can see it on the pitch that I fit in really good.
“It was a big win, second win in a row, really important and tough game to come in. There was good energy and that was the key point.
“Now we go into the international break with two wins, that was really important to come into with a good position.
“We have good energy from the bench. We have done really well. When you score as a striker on the pitch the feeling is really good. The gaffer is such a good gaffer.”
