Newcastle German internationals Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw speak on Premier League adjustments and defend Florian Wirtz | OneFootball

Two Newcastle United professionals currently on the Germany squad have spoken on their recent Premier League moves over the past week. Striker Nick Woltemade addressed reporters directly at a DFB press conference on Thursday whilst Thiaw conducted an interview for the Thursday print edition of Kicker. Woltemade also conducted an interview with German broadcaster RTL.

Both players noted that English football required of them a significant personal and professional adjustment. Woltemade and Thiaw also had a chance to weigh in on the hot topic of their German national team colleague Florian Wirtz’s struggles with Liverpool. The two thriving Newcastle stars expressed support for their compatriot.

“The biggest difference in England is the intensity,” Woltemade remarked at the DFB presser. “That became clear to me in my first few games. I had to get used to the pace and got cramps quite quickly in my first game.”

Thiaw concurred.

“It’s a very intense and different kind of football,” the 24-year-old noted. “Comparing the Premier League to the Champions League, I would say that the Premier League is more intense. I would say that the opponents we’ve faced in the Premier League have been much more different than in the Champions League.“

With all the adjustments, Thaw expressed gratitude for having Woltmade as a teammate. The Düsseldorf native also confirmed that he remains in regular contact with Wirtz. The three Germans – all new to the Isle – make a concerted effort to stick together. 

“It’s made my life easier to have a German teammate with whom I can speak German,” Thiaw said. “There’s a comfortable space available.

“Of course we talk,” Thiaw answered when asked about Wirtz. “We talk about how things are going at our clubs and how we’ve settled into the league.

“Flo has so many qualities,” Thiaw continued. “It’s only a matter of time before he makes his mark in England. I don’t think he’s had any bad games. You just have to give him a little more time. Things aren’t going great for Liverpool in general. He’ll be back to top form in no time.“

“On paper, it may not be apparent, but – if you compare my games with his – he is much more involved in the game,” Woltemade told RTL. “I probably get into the right position three or four times, get the ball and shoot it in. He, on the other hand, is very active in the game, accrues a lot of touches and makes good moves.“ 

GGFN | Peter Weis