Nick Woltemade reaction 'blown up' as Eddie Howe hits out after Newcastle United concerns
Nick Woltemade was an unused substitute during Newcastle United’s 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has played down concerns surrounding Nick Woltemade and his reaction following the 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Magpies’ £64million club-record signing didn’t make it off the bench as Howe & Co ended their five-match losing streak to record a first victory in almost two months.
At full-time, Woltemade looked withdrawn from the celebrations, first playing a partial role in the post-match lap of appreciation before hardly breaking a smile in the dressing room photo.
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Eddie Howe plays down Nick Woltemade’s reaction - aims dig at media
A feeling of disappointment is natural, admits Howe, but he believes any deeper observations are a result of the media “blowing everything up”.
Howe said: “Nick's fine, I think that's a natural reaction. If you look at any player that doesn't come on the pitch, there'll always be a sense of disappointment because everyone wants to play.
“Nick's been really good. He's been training well. Since we've returned to team training, I think it's been really good for him and for a lot of the other new players. I think it's really helped them have a greater understanding of what we want them to do. I've been very impressed by all of their attitudes.
“I think that the media will no doubt blow everything up, but he's training well, he's committed and we really value him and want him to do well.
“Obviously, I have the difficult job of trying to pick a team every week. No doubt there's a lot of disappointed players when I do pick a team.
“All I ask is the players give their all and support their teammates, which Nick has done and is doing, and he'll get his opportunity to play.”
Eddie Howe defends Nick Woltemade selection decision
Woltemade last started a game in March, while you have to go back a month earlier for the last time he lined up as the central striker having more recently been trialled as a central midfielder.
The 24-year-old scored a brace in the 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea on December 20 but has failed to score in the Premier League since.
“It's difficult to go back to that moment,” Howe said. “I think from the team's perspective and from Nick's perspective, he found goals harder to come by after a really strong start and I felt I needed to do something slightly different in that respect.
“We obviously looked at him in a new position and he's played a variety of different roles within the team's set-up. And, of course, other players have then taken on the mantle of playing as the number nine and, in my opinion, have delivered that really well, whether it's Anthony Gordon or, lately, Will Osula.
“I've always got to do what I think is right for the team. I never do anything other than try and get a positive result with the team, in my team selections.
“Now, Nick, I've said so many times, I really value, I really like him. We are working really hard with him to help him continue to develop his game and I think he's got a really bright future here.”