Nick Woltemade was relegated to the sidelines as a substitute for Newcastle United in the team’s 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday.
On Thursday night, Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, justified his choice not to start Nick Woltemade against Barcelona in the Champions League.
After scoring in his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, the Magpies’ record signing, who was acquired for sixty-five million pounds, was relegated to the bench, preventing him from making his Champions League debut for the first time ever.
Due to cramping, Woltemade was taken off the pitch during the second part of the match against Wolves. When Howe chose to begin the match against Barcelona with a front line full of wingers that included Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga, Woltemade started the match on the bench.
Howe responded to the question of why Woltemade was not included in the starting lineup, as well as whether or not he had any regrets over the choice to make that move considering the opportunities Newcastle missed when they failed to convert without a recognised striker on the field, by stating, “I can’t live in that world.
There are times when I must make judgements that are in the best interest of the players, even if it is not in my best interest. I found it to be an extremely challenging one to deal with.
“Naturally, every player wishes to participate in the game, but I am responsible for making an effort to incorporate Woltemade into the team and ensuring that he remains in good physical condition.” The fact that Anthony [Gordon] will not be able to play in the next game due to his suspension was always a key factor in this decision.
Jacob Murphy is currently dealing with an issue with his Achilles tendon, which is similar to what is going on with the other players. At this moment, I’m just trying to ensure that the majority of the team members are in good shape, particularly considering that the matches are fast approaching.
Nick Woltemade makes his first appearance in the Champions League
Woltemade was not a part of the starting lineup, but he did make his first appearance in the Champions League as a replacement in the second half of the match.
Woltemade, a German attacker, was not included in the roster of VfB Stuttgart, Woltemade’s old club, who competed in the Champions League last season. As a result, he did not participate in any of the games.
Woltemade was given the opportunity to enter the game shortly before Marcus Rashford, who is now on loan from Manchester United, scored a beautiful goal from a distance to give Barcelona a two-goal lead at St James’ Park. Woltemade had been watching from the sidelines the entire time.
Nevertheless, Woltemade contributed to a rapid forward manoeuvre that resulted in Newcastle scoring a consolation goal in the last moments of the game, courtesy of Gordon.
Howe stated that “it is not easy to join a new league.” “The physical demands, the rapid turnarounds, We will do everything we can to ensure that he has the best opportunity, even though there is no assurance that any striker will remain healthy throughout the process.
“Since he joined, I believe he has gotten off to a great start, and I was happy with the way he participated in our objective this evening.”
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