Newcastle boss Eddie Howe reveals why £69m striker needs special treatment in New League

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe reveals why £69m striker needs special treatment in New League originally appeared on The Sporting News

Eddie Howe has admitted that Nick Woltemade will need special care as he adjusts to the Premier League after becoming Newcastle United’s£69m [$93m] record signing.

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The 23-year-old striker, who scored the winner on his dream debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers was left out of the starting lineup in September 18's Champions League clash with Barcelona.

Howe’s decision didn’t sit well with the Magpies supporters who expected the German star to lead the line at the Tyneside following his impressive start.

Instead, Howe opted to field a front three of Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes, leaving Newcastle without a natural striker for much of the game.

The Magpies struggled for a focal point in attack and fell to a 2-1 defeat with Gordon scoring their only goal after Woltemade came off the bench in the second half.

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The German forward played a role in that goal but was otherwise limited to brief touches.

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Howe explains rotation and Woltemade’s adjustment

Howe defended his decision, stressing the physical demands of English football and the need to manage Woltemade’s transition carefully.

“The big thing for me is whoever enters the pitch, whoever we decide to play, you want them at their best physical condition to execute what we ask them to do," Howe said [via Chronicle Live].

“We play an intense style, so the players, if they are not playing, need to be ready to come on and impact.

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“We're going to have to look after Nick. It's hard enough for him to come into a new league - and you could see the physical effects he felt with Wolves and then the quick turn-around again here.

“There's no guarantee even by managing him that he's going to stay fit and play all the games, but we're going to try to give him the best chance to stay fit and also acclimatise to the league that he's in.

“But he's made a very good start. He did well when he came on. I was really pleased with him. He was involved in the goal, so he'll hopefully be in a good place.”

Newcastle United will now face Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on September 21.

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