Nick Woltemade and other Newcastle United stars have enjoyed some downtime ahead of one final push.
Newcastle United are back in training this week as they gear up for the remaining seven matches of the season.
Eddie Howe’s side visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday as they look to bounce back from the 2-1 Tyne-Wear derby defeat at home to Sunderland last time out.
Howe and his players have come under intense criticism following the loss, but have had little time to address it due to the international break.
But the redemption job starts now as Howe’s squad try to end the campaign strongly and secure European qualification of some form.
Sitting 12th in the Premier League table, Champions League qualification looks out of reach but the Europa League or Conference League is still regarded as possible with four points the gap to seventh.
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Nick Woltemade enjoys trip to New York
The majority of Howe’s squad were called up by their respective nations during the international break and following their exploits were given time to recharge their batteries.
Nick Woltemade travelled from Germany straight to New York, as he documented his stay in one of the world's most iconic cities via Instagram.
Woltemade has his own official account but has set up a lesser known account called ‘who is jaraff’, where he often shares photos of his other true passion, fashion.
Nick Woltemade addresses questions about his NUFC form
Howe will hope to have all his players firing in the closing stages of the season but Woltemade in particular has come under scrutiny in recent months.
The 24-year-old joined Newcastle for a club-record £64million from Stuttgart last summer and initially hit the ground running. However, since the turn of the year, Woltemade has moved from striker to midfield, fetching just one goal.
On international duty, Woltemade spoke to Bild and was forced to defend his form.
“It bothers me,” Woltemade said when asked about the criticism. “If someone claims that I’m in a slump, I’d argue that this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games.
“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 metres from the opponent’s goal. I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season.
“Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space. Of course, I score far fewer goals now. But I’m completely relaxed. I don’t mind expanding my repertoire. And I’m convinced that, in the long run, it will make me stronger if I learn to navigate phases like this.”
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