“Others are a little ahead”: coach speaks frankly about Nick Woltemade
International Nick Woltemade fled to Juventus on loan after disappointing months at Newcastle United. Magpies coach Matthias Jaissle has now revealed the reasons in kicker.
"I had a very open discussion with Nick, whom I consider an excellent footballer with a wide range of qualities," said the 38-year-old Jaissle.
Asked whether Woltemade had been unwilling to accept the role of challenger at the Magpies, Jaissle said: "As I said, we communicated very clearly where he currently stood in the team, also given our style of football with high pressing, and at that point one or two others were simply a little ahead of him." Woltemade therefore chose a loan to get the playing time he had hoped for at the club.
Despite his temporary departure, the coach still has medium-term plans for the 1.98-metre-tall forward. The two clubs did not agree a purchase option.
"I think very highly of him, and of course he remains our player because he is only on loan," Jaissle made clear. The right-footed player's contract at Newcastle runs until 2031, so as things stand he will try to establish himself in England again next year.
Woltemade's fresh start in Serie A has been slow, but a team-mate recently offered him encouragement.
Randal Kolo Muani praises Nick Woltemade's presence at Juventus
Only the German's introduction turned things around in the recent 1-1 draw against Cagliari Calcio. Strike partner Randal Kolo Muani headed a Kerim Alajbegovic cross into the net at the far post in the 81st minute to equalise, then struck the underside of the bar with a first-time effort shortly afterwards.
Kolo Muani benefited from the German's physical presence, no longer having to play as the lone striker in the closing stages. "The coach said at half-time that we had a lot of possession and needed to get the ball into the box with crosses because there were a lot of players there. When Woltemade came on, we created more chances and things went much better than in the first half, even though we can still improve," said Kolo Muani.
"When Nick moves into the centre (he is tall), he can hold up the ball and occupy the defenders. That gives me more freedom to move and get on the ball. It's much better for me," the former Frankfurt player added.
In summer 2025, Woltemade moved from VfB Stuttgart to the Magpies for d75 million euros, but could not live up to the high expectations in the Premier League. The hype surrounding the 14-cap Germany international faded after only a short time.
