Germany supporters booed the substitution of Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade midway through their World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Cologne
Nick Woltemade lining up before playing in a match for Germany
Nick Woltemade got booed while being substituted during Germany's World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland this week
(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
The former Germany international Marcell Jansen has defended Nick Woltemade after supporters booed the Newcastle United striker during their country's World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland.
Woltemade started the match up front and assisted Serge Gnabry for the game's opening goal inside seven minutes. Their opponents, however, equalised through West Bromwich Albion midfielder Isaac Price before half-time.
The scores then remained level into the second half, with Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann substituting both Gnabry and Woltemade on the hour mark. Boos greeted the latter's withdrawal for Nadiem Amiri, who eight minutes later scored to put them back in front.
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Jansen has since spoken out strongly in defence of Woltemade. "I was ashamed in the stadium when Woltemade was booed," the former player-turned-pundit said on episode 93 of the Copa TS podcast.
"I knew it wasn't just because of his performance; he was just as good or weak as others and initiated the opening. But that sends the wrong message; I don't think that's good."
"Dissatisfaction and even critical reporting is great and right, but booing someone like Woltemade is so typically German, because he cost so much money... The boy played for (Werder) Bremen, came to (VfB) Stuttgart on a free transfer, and delivered a sensational performance for our under-21 team; he's one of us.
"Because they (Newcastle) are now overpaying him, the boy can't help it." Woltemade has shared a similar sentiment regarding the fee.
"In football, there is always pressure," he has said. "In the matches I played in Germany, there was also pressure, but I like pressure.
"I didn't make my price, so I can't do anything about it. I just want to play football, and what the clubs pay is not my decision.
"But I am really happy that the club trusted me so much that they paid so much money. This club gives me a good feeling."
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