newcastle united Despite a disappointing second half of the season at St James' Park, forward Nick Woltehammed has insisted he can handle any criticism coming his way.
The striker, currently speaking at the World Cup with Germany saxon newspaper Almost a year, which he admits has been a little crazy.
Criticism of Newcastle United
He made a big move to Newcastle last summer as a last-minute replacement for Alexander Isak following his move to Liverpool. Everything was fine in the beginning. The striker hit the ground running, scored goals for fun and looked like a smart investment.
He then went 17 league games without scoring a goal, however, he broke this mistake at the end of the season. Criticism of the striker has been fierce to say the least Recently admitting that he was clearly not happy.
He now insists that he can handle any issue that comes his way. Instead he focused on the year as a whole.
"The goals have given me a lot of confidence. I know what role I have played in our (Germany's) successful qualification, and I have shown what I am capable of at this level," he said.
"But I always knew there could be other phases. That's exactly what happened when I joined Newcastle and scored a lot of goals at the beginning. Then there are times when things don't work out. It doesn't bother me; I can handle it.
"Overall, last year was very bad for me. It changed my life. When I stood on the field with the whole team before the match against Curaçao and we were singing the national anthem, I was smiling from ear to ear. To be a part of football's biggest stage is a huge and amazing thing."
newcastle status change
Part of the issue for Nick Woltemade has been the change in situation at Newcastle under Eddie Howe.
He initially began the campaign playing as a central striker, but was gradually switched to a midfield role throughout the campaign. He finished the season with 11 appearances for the Magpies, playing as an attacking midfielder.
He now features as one of Germany's three striker options at the World Cup, but insists he is happy in whatever role he is required to play as long as he is playing centrally.
"I feel comfortable playing in a central role, whether that's on my front line, as part of a strike partnership or in the line behind the strikers," he said.
"It doesn't really matter if it's a centre-forward or whatever you call it. I think football has changed. It's become more versatile. Even Harry Kane is not a classic centre-forward.
"I watched England win 4-2 against Croatia in my first World Cup match. Of course, Kane is a goalscorer, but he's not a classic centre-forward either. I can't think of anyone at the top level who fits that profile so well. To be honest, that type of player doesn't really exist anymore."
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- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 June 2026
