Watching from afar, Jose Mourinho has noticed how quickly Newcastle United fans have taken to Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade is in fine form for Newcastle United and though Eddie Howe’s side are not convincing this season, the German forward can hardly be blamed.
The most expensive signing in Newcastle United history has already scored five goals for his new team. His form has helped ease the pain of the Alexander Isak saga and it will not have escaped Toon fans that their new man is outperforming the Liverpool star.
Indeed, Woltemade is loving life at Newcastle and has every reason to. The 23-year-old has made a better start to life than surely almost anyone would have predicted.
Mourinho is back in town for Newcastle United’s Champions League clash against Benfica on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the game, he was asked about Woltemade.
Nick Woltemade celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Jose Mourinho says Newcastle United fans love Nick Woltemade
Newcastle fans have been singing Woltemade’s chant for a few weeks now, such has been the immediacy of his impact on Tyneside.
The former Stuttgart star was naturally a topic of conversation ahead of the game, with reporters keen to get Mourinho’s assessment of the player.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The former Chelsea manager talked of how much the Newcastle fans love Woltemade already.
Asked about Woltemade’s start to life at Newcastle, he said (via The Chronicle): “What happened with Isak in the summer is very difficult for a coach and the fellow players.
“I think in the end everybody knew he was going to leave but when he is done, you move on and you have a new player.
“You train and adapt to the new player. Isak and Woltemade are different but it looks like this boy is here all his life. He is loved by the fans and Newcastle are doing things right.”
Newcastle United insiders privately surprised by Nick Woltemade
It’s not just the supporters who have taken to the German international. In fact, the coaching staff at Newcastle have been impressed with Woltemade’s ability and attitude.
Being thrust into the deep end cannot have been easy. Woltemade arrived at the club having played only 70 Bundesliga games and Yoane Wissa’s injury meant he had to start straight away.
He understandably struggled with the physicality of the Premier League on his debut against Wolves but has since confirmed he’s feeling fitter now.
After a dramatic summer in the transfer window, Newcastle fans have their new hero.