Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has admitted Nick Woltemade 'didn't fulfil his whole potential' at St James' Park during his first season at the club. But the German boss insists he will work with his compatriot to 'get closer' to his full potential while working under the former Al-Ahli and RB Salzburg manager.
Record signing's mixed first season
Woltemade joined Newcastle last summer from Stuttgart for a club record £69million fee. The Germany international got off to an incredible start to life on Tyneside and scored nine goals inside his first three months at the club. But the goals dried up in the second half of the season and doubts were raised over whether Woltemade's more languid style married with Newcastle's high intensity approach under Eddie Howe.
Jaissle has made no secret of the fact he wants his Newcastle side to play with a similar intensity and wants his players to aggressively press from the front. The challenge for him is to get the best out of Woltemade in that situation but he insists that process will take 'time and adaptation' if it is to work this season.
Jaissle backs striker to improve
"He has a huge potential, he is a really good player," Jaissle told reporters ahead of Newcastle's Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James' Park. "Probably he didn't fulfil his whole potential, but we're working with Nick, and also with all the other players, to get closer to their full potential, and that needs time, that needs often also adaptation. There are so many aspects in football, as you know, to consider."
One of the big issues facing Woltemade in his first season is where his best position was. He started the campaign as a number nine, then spent three months in midfield, before ending the season as a number 10. He has played as a number 10 and a number nine under Jaissle in pre-season but when trying to drill down what he sees as his best position, the Magpies boss was not giving anything away.
Versatile forward role
"Nick is a versatile player up front," Jaissle added. "Maybe, due to his size, he could also play as a centre-back but I don't consider that. He is a guy up front, definitely, who likes to follow his instinct so definitely we will find ways to bring him in the best position."
"And it is also, and I said it already previously, it is about the combination of who is playing next to him."
