The Magpies boss has to box clever with Yoane Wissa injured, but he also spoke at another forward carrying a problem after the 2-1 loss against Barcelona
23:11, 18 Sep 2025Updated 23:13, 18 Sep 2025
Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United(Image: 2025 Allstar)
Eddie Howe has explained why he did not start with Nick Woltemade against Barcelona – and why his second half appearance came with less than half an hour to play against Barcelona.
The German international was the man of the moment after notching the winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday with many hoping to see him go again on the opening night of the Champions League.
Howe was asked in his Press conference if he regretted not starting the game with the £69million man.
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Howe told reporters after the 2-1 defeat: “I can’t live in that world, I have to make decisions for the benefit of the player sometimes.
“It was a really difficult one for Nick, of course any player would want to start every game but I have to try to manage him into the team.
“And make sure he stays fit and that was always at the heart of this decision. Knowing that we have Anthony suspended for the next game as well.
“It is the same for Jacob Murphy as well, he is nursing an achilles problem and we just want to keep the majority of the squad as fit and healthy for as long as possible.”
Newcastle found themselves 2-0 down going into the latter stages of the game after wasting first half openings.
But Marcus Rashford’s double sunk United with Anthony Gordon’s late goal too little, too late.
Howe said: “We were really in the game. I never felt we were out of it. I’m disappointed we didn’t score the first goal.
“That was crucial. We had the chances to do it. It was a whole-hearted gutsy display but maybe lacking the quality to get us the win.
“We wanted to create a difficult environment with high-octane football. I think it was there. We didn’t get the bounce of the ball off the presses.
“The chances were there in the first half. Against teams like this you won’t get many. We got punished.
“Of course, we can do better for both [goals]. The first more than the second. Disappointed he was allowed the cross [for the first]. Disappointed with how the ball arrived to him for the second.”
Howe then went on: “These nights are only magical for us if we win. But we’ll learn and grow our game from nights like this.
“We kept going until the end. That’s what we pride ourselves on. They managed the extra time well – we were desperate for the ball but couldn’t get it off them.”
Get your NUFC Champions League special edition
Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign is about to get under away – and we’ll be there every step of the way. To mark the start of another season among Europe’s elite, we’ve produced a special 40-page souvenir edition ahead of the big kick-off.
Packed with features and in-depth analysis, it’s a must for any United fan as we eagerly anticipate the visit of Barcelona to St James’ Park. There is also be club-by-club profiles of every competitor in this year’s tournament and the path to the knockout rounds with a full list of match fixtures.
It is now on sale, priced £3.50, in selected independent retailers and supermarkets in Newcastle. It is also available to buy from our online store for home delivery, including worldwide shipping – postage and packaging applies.