HMSIllustrious

German Football has a knack for big cats.

Several German news outlets report about our interest in Julian Ryerson from Dortmund. Would be a clever acquisition, relatively cheap, good solution for 2-3 years, just peaked his potential (11 assists in 20 games this season). I guess he is plan b should we lose Tino.

It‘s not even a real article, just satire. It‘s carnival season in Germany and the Bild is Bayern‘s public channel, so no news here.

Looks like Mario Basler 😄

Just good nutrition and late bloomer genes 😄

Let‘s call Goretzka‘s personal coach, they have/ had a similar physique, copying that transformation would be juicy.

Interesting article about Nick, Sandro, Eddie and the team from the German Kicker After 14 competitive matches without a goal, Nick Woltemade has scored again for Newcastle United. In the FA Cup away victory against Aston Villa, the German played in an unusual role and significantly motivated his teammate Sandro Tonali. Woltemade took advantage of a catastrophic misplaced pass from opponent Lamare Bogarde in the 88th minute to secure the away victory for the Magpies in the fourth round of the FA Cup. This was an important moment for the German national player, who had been waiting for his next goal since December 20 (scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea). "Personally, I had a long phase where I didn't score and didn't play well. And of course, I'm happy about my performance, my goal, and our overall performance," Woltemade expressed his relief on Saturday evening. After having only come on as a substitute in the Premier League recently, coach Eddie Howe had something special planned for the 24-year-old's birthday: Behind the also tall striker William Osula, Woltemade played as a sort of second striker, sometimes even dropping back into midfield. This tactical adjustment was duly noted by his teammate Sandro Tonali. "I'm very happy for this big man," said the Italian, who was undoubtedly impressed by Woltemade in this unusual role: "He played like an experienced midfielder. He played very well and deserves everything, really." The fact that the two Magpies players were asked to come for an interview together after the match was not a coincidence. Unlike Woltemade, whose profile is obviously much more focused on scoring goals, the defensive midfielder found the net for the first time since September 8, when he scored for Italy against Israel (5-4) in World Cup qualifying—twice, in fact. It was indeed a long goal drought, which his German teammate had reminded him of beforehand—with success, as it turned out. "We always sit next to each other on the bus and at meals, and I told Sandro, 'You never score goals,'" Woltemade recalled with a grin. For the second time, the teasing from the former Stuttgart player proved effective, as the striker had also anticipated the first Newcastle goals from Malick Thiaw in the 4-1 win against Everton at the end of November. "We always joke about him not being able to score headers, and then today he scores two headers," Woltemade said back then. About two and a half months later, Woltemade now drew a positive conclusion: "I find it crazy because we always said it was Malick—and now he’s scoring goals. Now I said it to Sandro—and now he scores too." With the away win at Villa Park, Newcastle not only secured their second consecutive victory after the 2-1 against Tottenham but also booked a ticket to the round of 16. This was an important result for Howe and his team, despite a performance from the officials that left much to be desired, as they could not rely on the video assistant referee in the fourth round of the FA Cup. "Referees don't make decisions intentionally; it's what they think at the time. But without VAR, I think there were many mistakes today," summarized the Magpies coach, referring primarily to the offside goal for 0-1 and a non-given hand penalty—Lucas Digne clearly blocked the ball with his arms inside the box, which incorrectly resulted in a free kick. Starting from the next round of the cup, video evidence will be used in all Premier League stadiums. This is a relief for Howe, who believes that while the system sometimes dampens certain emotions, it would have been helpful on Saturday evening: "I wished for VAR at the first goal against us, and probably also during the course of this game."

Same here, Wirtz has also developed physically and I expect Nick to do the same, not giving up on him.

I miss the days when football was not only about who can run the most, crowd the box and VAR interruptions 😟

Prolific.

I don’t fancy our part time Sokrates up top, but if Eddie likes that I would love to see Wolte playing behind him. Gordon‘s best weapon is still his speed and Nick could play a nifty through ball here and there.

I just hope Pep has one of those nights in which he overthinks everything, then comes up with a fancy brain fart of a strategy his team doesnt get and ends up losing a tie almost impossible to lose…here‘s hope, he has done it before.

Emery looks like Christopher Lee nowadays….ah well…

Nick for Wissa please, his first touch kills every second attack

This is really elevating…hoping for a Bowen hattrick.

Wholeheartedly agree, it’s so early and still people are so negative/desperate. As a team we don’t function atm, but we first have to sort out the system/ game plan and become a cohesive unit again, only then I will judge individual players.

Thiaw is doing a good job at least.

Mad in love.

I dread the idea of seeing him flourish in the Champions League for Bayern thinking -this could have been us.

I thought ManU was going to be easy (Afcon, injuries, Amorim…), now I feel the same about Burnley…doesnt bode well, but still 3-0 win.

Carragher? Scouse buddy bonus.

I like that one from Redcafe 😅

Ah, I thought this was going to be their last game, even better news then 👍🏻

the positives: - Bruno is out (the only threat in their midfield) - Maguire and de Ligt are out (Heaven and Yoro are still prone to errors) - Sesko is very insecure and has just returned from his injury - their bench has very few impact options - Amorim the so sos: - lammens is not bad but also not free of mistakes - mbeumo and Cunha in theory are good players, but their form is on the decline - every now and then Casemiro has a Real Madrid game still in him the negatives: - Amad can be unplayable on his day - the refs like them more than us - Even though Old Trafford is hardly a fortress these days, the atmosphere is still impressive man, I hope we give them a good battering, no team (mackems aside) that I dislike more.

He makes it really hard not to be frustrated…