Howe Acknowledges Shift in Isak’s Dynamic, Dismisses Director Concerns Before Newcastle Faces Wolves

Newcastle United Manager Prepares for Wolves Match
Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, has confirmed that one of the two newly acquired strikers will participate in Saturday’s match against Wolves.
Following the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, Newcastle has brought in Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa from Brentford.
Woltemade’s Readiness
Regarding Woltemade, Howe stated, “He is doing well and has been impressive in training. His positive mindset and nature have helped him settle in nicely.”
“He is laid-back, has a great sense of humor, and has expressed enthusiasm about enhancing the team dynamics. His readiness to contribute selflessly is commendable.”
“Though he has a strong physique, he is not your usual target man. He possesses exceptional technical skills and excels in confined spaces.”
Wissa’s Absence
On the other hand, Howe confirmed that Wissa will not be available for the match. He commented, “He experienced discomfort from a previous injury, and we will need to assess his condition further.”
Additionally, new signing Jacob Ramsey, previously with Aston Villa, will also miss the game.
Howe elaborated, “Jacob has sustained an injury from a tackle during the match against Leeds. His ankle is swollen, and it appears he could be sidelined until after the upcoming international break. On a positive note, Joe is fit and has returned to training, which is encouraging.”
Reflection on Isak’s Departure
Speaking on Isak’s transfer, Howe revealed his disappointment regarding the circumstances of the player’s departure during preseason.
“Alex and I had a strong rapport, and I appreciated working with him. We assisted him in his development, and in return, he played a crucial role for us. However, the moment he decided to go on strike, our relationship shifted, and communication became challenging.”
Howe dismissed rumors of friction with the sporting directors, stating, “I don’t understand the origin of that narrative. I view the role of sporting director as essential for us, with their expertise being invaluable. I had strong working relationships with Dan Ashworth and Richard Hughes at Bournemouth, and it is imperative we find the right person for the role.”
Regarding the recent transfer market activity, Howe added: “This window has seen a lot of movement. While it’s easy to make quick judgments about transfers, only time will reveal their impact. I’m pleased with the group’s potential, although we have formed a new team that must prove itself.”
“We need to be strategic in our player transactions. Our past decisions have sometimes been influenced by financial pressures, and we hope to avoid such situations going forward, focusing instead on footballing choices.”
Aiming for Momentum
As Newcastle prepares to host Wolves on Saturday, Howe views this match as an opportunity to secure important points and establish winning momentum.
“This game is crucial for our campaign in the Premier League. While our results have been slow to start, I believe our performances have been encouraging,” he said.
“Building momentum is essential, and we anticipate a tough match against Wolves. The home crowd creates a unique atmosphere, and we rely on their unwavering support.”