Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has [publicly defended](https://bulinews.com/nagelsmann-defends-woltemade-amid-newcastle-criticism-won-80-meters-goal) Nick Woltemade amid the striker’s recent performances for Newcastle United.
Despite having limited playing time on Tyneside of late, Nagelsmann named Woltemade in his second-to-last Germany squad before the World Cup, setting him up for appearances in the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana.
Speaking at the squad-announcing press conference, Nagelsmann suggested the forward’s club role and use at Newcastle have impacted perceptions of his form, defending him and blasting the Magpies for their misuse of Woltemade.
“He has often played very deep, Nagelsmann said. ”When he has to defend as a No. 6, there’s a long distance to goal. He’s not a counter-attacking striker who runs 36 km/h.
“I can promise that he won’t be 80 metres away from goal with us. In such matches, he will not play for us.”
The German coach indicated that Woltemade’s positioning at Newcastle does not align with his strengths as a forward, making it clear he’s not going to use the striker in such way for international matches.
Nagelsmann also addressed the player’s current situation more broadly.
“He is a very pleasant person with a strong presence. He is definitely not going through an easy time, but that’s normal. He has done well with us. He can start from the beginning, but also come on as a substitute, because he has an unorthodox style of play,” Nagelsmann said.
Although he started the season strongly, Woltemade has faced some deserved criticism in England amid Newcastle’s and his own recent struggles. That said, he seems to have all of the confidence from Germany’s coaching staff, and that’s great for the young man.
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