1
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has explained why German international Nick Woltemade departed the Premier League club for Juventus on loan during the summer transfer window. The 38-year-old revealed that Newcastle’s high-pressing approach and increased competition for attacking positions contributed to the striker’s decision to pursue more regular playing time in Italy.
Woltemade’s departure came just one year after his high-profile transfer from VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle for a reported €90 million. The former Stuttgart striker initially enjoyed an encouraging start to life in England, but his prospects changed following Newcastle’s appointment of Jaissle and an extensive summer squad overhaul.
Speaking in an interview published in the Monday print edition of Kicker Magazine. Jaissle emphasized that he remained an admirer of the German forward despite allowing him to leave temporarily. Jaissle reiterated his personal respect for the Germany international, and revealed that he had several one-on-one conversations with the 24-year-old.
Matthias Jaissle explains Woltemade’s position in Newcastle’s plans
The Newcastle coach acknowledged that Woltemade faced competition from other players who were better suited to the team’s immediate tactical requirements. The decision was not necessarily a reflection of Woltemade’s overall ability. Rather, the German coach suggested that the forward’s immediate prospects were constrained by Newcastle’s new playing style and the competition for minutes.
“We communicated very clearly where he stood within the team at that moment, particularly considering the way we play football with high pressing,” Jaissle said. “At the time, one or two other players were simply a little ahead of him.”
Jaissle also rejected the suggestion that sharing a nationality with Woltemade should have influenced his assessment.
“Open discussions are important regardless of whether someone is your compatriot or not,” the Newcastle trainer explained. “But I rate him very highly, and of course he remains our player because he’s only out on loan.”
Newcastle’s rebuilding project leaves Woltemade seeking minutes elsewhere
Woltemade’s departure formed part of a wider restructuring undertaken following Jaissle’s arrival from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. The German trainer was brought in to oversee a new chapter at St James’ Park following Eddie Howe’s departure. The club have since adopted an ambitious youth-oriented strategy described internally as a “Brave Vision”, prioritising younger players and a more aggressive style of play.
Jaissle told Kicker that Newcastle currently field the youngest team in the Premier League based on the average age of players used, with the figure standing below 25. The 38-year-old has sought to introduce faster attacking transitions and more intense pressing, although he acknowledged that the process would inevitably involve periods of inconsistency.
Woltemade, meanwhile, had previously spoken enthusiastically about Newcastle and the opportunity to establish himself in English football. In a December 2025 interview covered by Get German Football News, the former Stuttgart striker praised previous manager Eddie Howe and discussed his adjustment to life on Tyneside.
For now, Jaissle has insinuated that the Bundesliga-developed forward remains part of Newcastle’s longer-term plans.
