Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw have identified what they believe is the key factor that makes Newcastle United so special.
The Newcastle United pair have been speaking to Sky Germany. The conversation covers a range of topics, including their love for the Magpies.
Both joined Newcastle United in the summer, with Thiaw arriving from AC Milan and Woltemade a late addition from VfB Stuttgart as a replacement for Alexander Isak. They’ve settled well into life in the Premier League side since.
Woltemade has not looked out of place, with seven goals across all competitions for Newcastle United this season. Thiaw has looked equally comfortable in defence, quickly adapting to life in the Premier League and earning rave reviews for his performances.
Newcastle United impresses both German internationals
They’re already firm fan favourites and appear to be well settled to life in the North East as a result. They’re certainly impressed by what they’ve found so far, and the pair even think there’s comparisons to Schalke, with the German club known for having dedicated fans.
They can can see the similarities between them and the Magpies, Thiaw especially given he played there.
“I have to say, the club reminds me a bit of Schalke 04,” explained Thiaw when asked ‘what makes Newcastle United so different’.
“The city is just as football mad as Gelsenkirchen. They love the club. It’s like a religion for them. Everyone is passionate about the club. The stadium is sold out for every game.
“We had a game in the Carabao Cup against a third or fourth division team – that was also completely sold out, the atmosphere was the same.”
“In Germany, not everyone knows every team in the Premier League. But I would say it’s somewhat comparable to Schalke,” added Woltemade.
“Many people live for it, and it’s the same in Newcastle. Of course, it’s not quite like the Ruhr area; here, there’s only Newcastle and this other team that’s also here. But otherwise, it’s quite similar, I’d say.”
