Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade handled a lighthearted question about his personal life with characteristic charm during a press conference ahead of the Magpies’ Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old German forward, who moved to Tyneside from Stuttgart for a £69 million fee just four months ago, has quickly made his mark on the pitch, scoring eight goals and registering one assist in all competitions. Off the field, however, the spotlight turned to his life in Newcastle and whether he had met anyone special since his arrival.
When asked about living arrangements in his new city, Woltemade laughed and explained that he shares an apartment with his best friend from back home. “I don’t know why everyone is talking about this,” he said. “I think it’s normal when you come to a new country.
Of course, I’m alone, so I ask my best friend, ‘Do you want to come with me to Newcastle?’ I don’t know how you call it in English, when you’re living with your best friend.” His humorous response brought a few smiles to the press room.
Pressed further on whether he had met anyone special in Newcastle, Woltemade’s laughter returned. “No,” he admitted. “I have a lot of games, so I haven’t met anyone.”
The answer was as candid as it was relatable, reflecting the intense focus required of a young professional adjusting to a new league and a demanding schedule.
On the field, Newcastle head into the midweek fixture in Germany in a position of mixed fortunes. The Magpies sit fifteenth in their Champions League group after five matches, having won three and lost two, meaning every point is crucial as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.
Their opponents, Bayer Leverkusen, may be struggling domestically, sitting 15 points behind the Bundesliga leaders in fourth place, but Eddie Howe has cautioned that the German side remains a formidable challenge.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe offered measured praise for Leverkusen while emphasizing Newcastle’s own objectives. “However we get through, the knockout phase is our target,” he said.
“It would be preferable to go through without a play-off, but the teams we have to face are in good form. I am relatively pleased with our Champions League performance. In the two defeats, we have not come away with what we deserved. Bayer Leverkusen are an outstanding team, true to their identity, so this will be a tough game.”
The former Bournemouth manager also reflected on Newcastle’s defensive issues, specifically in set-piece situations. “Our main issue in recent weeks has been defending set plays, but that’s nothing we can’t fix.
There are things that come up through the season you have to suddenly focus on,” Howe explained, highlighting the club’s ongoing efforts to adapt and improve as the campaign progresses.
Howe provided an update on new signing Yoane Wissa, who made his debut in Newcastle’s 2-1 Premier League win over Burnley. “I think he’s done a lot of work to get to this point,” Howe said. “He’s got a lot more work to do to get to the very best level that he can.
We’re very pleased to have him available, and we hope to keep him available by managing him correctly. Once Yoane gets up to full speed, I’d say he’s probably a little bit short of that at the moment, but we’ll make that decision game by game.”
Following the Champions League fixture in Germany, Newcastle will return to domestic action for the eagerly awaited Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland, a match that promises intensity and local pride as much as points.
With a demanding schedule, a squad still adjusting to new arrivals like Woltemade and Wissa, and critical European fixtures looming, Newcastle must balance preparation, fitness, and tactical awareness carefully.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Woltemade | 13 | 8 | 1 | Adjusting well in first season at Newcastle; lives with best friend from Germany. |
| Yoane Wissa | 1 | 0 | 0 | Made debut against Burnley; fitness being carefully managed. |
| Newcastle United | 5 (CL) | – | – | Champions League: 3 wins, 2 losses; sit 15th in group. |
Woltemade’s focus remains firmly on his football, and despite questions about his personal life, he appears entirely committed to helping Newcastle navigate both the Premier League and European challenges.
With Howe’s careful management and the squad gaining experience in high-pressure matches, the Magpies aim to build momentum, and Woltemade’s form will be key in their pursuit of continental success.
