Nick Woltemade is battling Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav for a starting place in the Germany side.
Julian Nagelsmann has claimed Nick Woltemade’s move to Newcastle United is not “going 100 per cent smoothly” following Germany’s win over Switzerland.
The Toon star was a substitute as Germany earned a thrilling 4-3 away win last night. Woltemade came on for the final half an hour - replacing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz - but failed to contribute.
Nagelsmann has a dilemma heading into the World Cup as Havertz, Woltemade and in-form Deniz Undav are vying for the No.9 role. German media have always been quick to rip into Newcastle - especially as they gazumped Bayern Munich to the 24-year-old’s signature.
What Julian Nagelsmann said last month
National team coach Nagelsmann has already fired one swipe at the Magpies and Eddie Howe - claiming Woltemade will not play 80 metres from goal in his team. Recent months have seen the 6ft 7in striker used as a makeshift midfielder at Newcastle.
“He's often playing very deep for Newcastle now, and when he plays as a holding midfielder, he has a lot of distance to cover to get to the goal,” Nagelsmann said. “He's not a counter-attacking striker who runs at 36 km/h. I can promise you he won't be 80 metres away from goal for us. He won't play in those kinds of games.
“I rate him highly as a player and as a person. It's normal, new culture, new league, new city. He also needed time at Stuttgart. I have confidence in him. Everything will be alright.”
Julian Nagelsmann fires second swipe
The Germany boss has fired another swipe at Newcastle, claiming all is not right with Woltemade at St James' Park. Nagelsmann also highlighted the tussle between Havertz, Woltemade and Undav.
"Now I have the choice between boosting the confidence of a top striker who’s in good form or dropping a top striker who’s not quite in good form right now,” Nagelsmann said last night. "I say it’s advisable for Nick Woltemade to get back on track with us, because things aren’t going 100 per cent smoothly at Newcastle.
“And Deniz is on a roll anyway. Whether he plays today or not, it won’t change his confidence for this week."
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