'The Premier League is quite hard!' – Newcastle new boy Nick Woltemade shocked by intensity of game despite scoring on debut against Wolves

Nick Woltemade's career on Tyneside got off to the best possible start, as the German striker scored the winner in Newcastle's 1-0 win over Wolves at St. James's Park. The 22-year-old spoke positively about the experience, and his new manager Eddie Howe, but also admitted "the Premier League is quite hard", revealing he was experiencing cramp during his debut.

Woltemade announces Newcastle arrival with headed goal

The 23-year-old made his massive presence felt with a towering headed goal in the 29th minute of his debut for the Magpies. Perhaps lacking the match fitness to keep up with the speed of Premier League football, Howe decided to pull his £69m man from the fray in the 65th minute. Woltemade admitted he was cramping after the game.     

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWoltemade praises Howe's management

Woltemade had little time to adjust to life on Tyneside, as he was involved in Germany's World Cup qualification campaign immediately after putting pen to paper for the Magpies. Even in a short window with his new teammates and coaches, he praised Howe for giving him the belief to focus on his own game as he becomes acclimated to his surroundings.   

What Woltemade said

Speaking after the game, Woltemade said: "It felt amazing. If you win the game it's more important too. 

"The Premier League was quite hard. I had cramps. The atmosphere, the team played really good balls and involved me a lot. I think we did quite good. It was a hard game and it was important we won a game. 

"I was here for four days so everything was new for me. I was focusing on myself today. The coach has given me such a good feeling. I felt good on the pitch and knew what I was doing."

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Getty Images SportWoltemade prepares for Champions League debut

Howe's decision to pull Woltemade from the action may well have been with one eye on the Magpies' upcoming Champions League tilt with Barcelona on Thursday. It will be the 23-year-old's first appearance on European football's biggest stage.