Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has criticised Eddie Howe’s decision to play Nick Woltemade as a midfielder for Newcastle United.

Woltemade made an impressive start to his career at Newcastle following his £69 million move from Stuttgart last summer, scoring six goals in his first 11 appearances.

But the 24-year-old has found the net just once in 19 appearances in 2026 and in recent weeks, he has played in a central midfield role with Anthony Gordon playing as a striker.

Woltemade, who has now been called up to Germany’s squad for their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, was also left on the bench for both of Newcastle’s Champions League last-16 games against Barcelona this month.

After announcing his Germany squad on Thursday, Nagelsmann took aim at Howe’s decision to play Woltemade as a midfielder and claims the forward is simply too far from goal to make an impact.

‘In a quieter setting he’s a super pleasant guy with a good wit, great sense of humour, I think he’s a really great character who is always in a good mood and always radiates a lot in conversations,’ Nagelsmann said.

‘He’s undoubtedly had a difficult time at Newcastle, no doubt, but that’s normal too.

‘I also tried to play him in his role. I also think that what I said was interpreted too negatively. He did well for us but in a role that no one would have thought of six months ago, or rather, in the six months before the World Cup qualifiers because many other players were injured.

‘He can play from the start but he can also play a good role as a substitute because he already has an unorthodox playing style with his size and technique, and I think if you look at his record with us he has very good memories with the national team recently and is extremely happy about it. I believe it will help him too.

‘And when assessing Newcastle, I think you simply have to look at the whole issue. Yes, he’s not currently a striker in the squad, so [Anthony] Gordon basically scores everything and he [Woltemade] sits out the last two top games.

‘He’s not a striker who plays consistently there and that takes something away. Eddie Howe has obviously decided, without me knowing any more details, to simple swap his strikers and that’s his right, he should do it as he wants and what he thinks is right. It’s not my problem at all, I’m just trying to evaluate the player within the overall structure and if there were three strikers who always played I would be significantly more worried than Newcastle’s current set-up where the strikers are constantly being rotated.

‘Lately, and this is just my opinion, judging him alone he’s often played very deep and when he’s defending as a double pivot, it’s quite a long way for Nick to cover. If he wants to get towards goal it’s very unlikely he will score because he’s not a class counter-attacking striker who can sprint at 36 km/h to outrun the opponent, that has to be said.

‘And then if he’s 80 metres away from the goal, I think as a British journalist you can’t expect him to score 20 goals there because the distance is simply too far. Yes, it depends a bit on the overall situation. What I can promise is that he is rarely 80 metres away from the goal. I will try to move him closer to 30 metres away from the goal and then he’s already dangerous and will do many things well.

‘I think very highly of him as a person too. He is not someone who puts a lot of thought into it. Nevertheless, the situation is obviously disturbing, I think that it’s normal that he would prefer things to be different but I think that’s normal. New culture, new league, new language, you might have learned that in school but it’s all new, new city.

‘It also took time in Stuttgart, not even registered for the Champions League for the first half of the year [last season] then scored seven goals in the second half. Yes, I have total trust in him and I also give him the necessary patience, everything will be alright.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James injury update ahead of Everton vs Chelsea

MORE: ‘Are we the farmers now?’ Champions League results have English clubs feeling blue

MORE: Tim Sherwood urges Manchester United to sign two players to become title contenders

Manchester City fans can book their seat at Wembley Stadium as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta go head-to-head in their first shot at silverware this season.

Manchester City fans can still secure a seat at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. On Sunday (March 22), the Blues will face their Premier League rivals in their first shot at silverware this season, and fans can book last-minute tickets today.

Pep Guardiola’s side may be trailing Arsenal in the league, but they could end the Gunners’ hopes of a historic quadruple with a win at Wembley. The two teams drew 1-1 when they last met in September, but a lot has happened since then, with City strengthening their squad with new signings like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi.

Man City enjoyed an incredible run of four straight League Cup wins from 2018 to 2021 and could lift the trophy for a ninth time should they beat Arsenal on Sunday. The club’s own allocation of tickets has sold out, but there are still plenty available from other official channels like Seat Unique, where fans can book a range of luxury Carabao Cup Final VIP and hospitality packages.

They don’t come cheap, with prices starting at £1,399 per person for a Taphouse Social – Manchester City ticket, but this is touted as ‘the ultimate luxury matchday experience’. Included in the price is premium seating on Level Two, Wembley’s middle tier with padded seats offering stellar views of the pitch.

Guests will have access to the stadium 2.5 hours before kick-off, when they can enjoy the Taphouse Social, Wembley’s new premium area full of exclusive food and drink outlets. This includes a bar with 48 taps pouring beers, wine, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks, plus pies and pastries from Taphouse Bites.

Buy Carabao Cup Final VIP tickets

From £1,399

Seat Unique

Buy tickets here

The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

Advertisement

Fans can access Taphouse Social on two sides of the stadium – West and East – but only tickets to the dedicated Man City area are available. However, fans should note the stadium will close one hour after the final whistle.

Seat Unique’s other VIP package is the luxury Bobby Moore Lounge at £3,499 per person. This includes unrivalled premium seating on the halfway line, offering ‘the very best views of the match’ close to the dugout and trophy route.

The exclusive Bobby Moore lounge is said to be one of Wembley’s ‘finest hospitality lounges’. A ticket provides a seat at a shared table for up to three hours before kick-off and an hour after the match.

Here, guests can enjoy Canapés on arrival and unlimited Laurent Perrier Champagne both pre and post-match. Perhaps more importantly, a ticket includes a complimentary bar of beers, fine wines, spirits and soft drinks.

As well as a four-course meal and cheeseboard served after the game.

Similar packages may be available directly from Wembley Stadium. With supporters able to enquire via this online form.

For those watching at home, the Carabao Cup final will be shown live on ITV and Sky Sports. Kick-off is at 4.30pm on Sunday, March 22.

People have been floored after finally realising what the tiny, additional pocket on a pair of jeans was actually designed for – and the answer dates back to the 1890s

Advertisement

People have only just learned the original reason behind the small, extra pocket inside a pair of jeans. Jeans are a wardrobe staple for countless people, and can be styled up for more formal occasions, and are often the top choice for laidback, comfort dressing.

Made from denim, jeans have a long-standing history. Denim was the traditional fabric used in workwear, with the first pair of jeans – similar to those we know and love today – created by an American tailor named Jacob Davis and dry goods wholesaler Levi Strauss, who supplied him with the material to make them.

The pair joined forces and patented the first riveted denim work trousers on 20 May 1873. This led to the creation of the classic jeans so beloved to this day, as before this, there were no rivets in denim workwear or trousers. Today, jeans are available in a range of cuts, colours and styles, from mum jeans, high-waisted, bootcut and flared, to wide-leg, skinny, distressed and more.

The Levi’s website states: “We should note that they were called ‘waist overalls’ or ‘overalls’ until 1960, when baby boomers adopted the name ‘jeans’.”

Often, the front pocket of a pair of jeans features an additional, much smaller pocket at the hip. It’s typically a visible detail included in many styles of jeans.

On Reddit, one user expressed curiosity about the purpose of this small pocket. Sharing an image, they asked: “What’s the smaller pockets within pockets of jeans for? Does anyone know the use of [the] smaller pocket [and what it] is designed for?”

In the comments section, Reddit users were eager to share their views, with some posting humorous remarks while others revealed their own personal uses for the diminutive pocket.

One said: “I use it and have always used it for my lighter.”

Another suggested: “Hold your lucky coin.”

A third said: “Steve Jobs said they were for the iPod Nano when it launched in 2005. I distinctly remember him pulling one out of his mini pocket in the reveal video. First and only time I ever bought an Apple product new.”

A fourth agreed: “I used to use it for my iPod Nano. Good times… good times.”

However, someone else revealed the actual origin of the pocket, explaining it was originally designed to store a pocket watch. They simply said: “It was originally for pocket watches.”

Another responded: “I thought it was called the coin pocket, but watch makes more sense!”

Another said: “Why did it take so long for someone to go: ‘what if pocket watch… but bracelet!’”

One replied: “It didn’t take that long, there are medieval necklace, wrist and even ring watches. In the Victorian era, wrist watches were seen as feminine as they were delicate, and pocket watches were seen as reliable and sturdy.

“It took the combination of the Boer and World War One to make wrist watches masculine as jumping on the deck and crawling through the muck tended to break pocket watches.”

Per Britannica: “The small pocket as we know it today was not an element of the blue jeans mass-produced by Levi Strauss and Co until the 1890s, when the target buyers for the work trousers were carpenters, railroad workers, farmers, and miners.”

“My concern would be, if these new service charges are not brought in, it could negatively affect the bin collection services that the council provides.”

A Co Down councillor has hit out at a Sinn Fein backed vote for a new “bin tax” on the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s environment committee this week approved a new price list for its bins collection service.

Whilst the cost of household replacement bins remains the same, an attempt to keep commercial costs at the “status quo” was thwarted by a Sinn Fein majority vote over concerns about an impact on service quality.

READ MORE: Emails reveal council and Co Down harbour pier repair dispute

READ MORE: Live stream ‘madness’ in Lagan Valley chamber

Bringing forward an amendment, Rowallane SDLP councillor Terry Andrews said: “I would like to propose that we keep the status quo for bin charges until the end of the current council mandate in 2027.

“The bin prices can then be brought back to the chamber when the new mandate has been decided for a review of these costs.”

A report in chambers shows that higher costs for bin services will come into force from April at an increase of 5%, the first hike in two years.

The cost of replacement bins remains the same with a standard (240litre) residual waste bin £37 and recycling and food waste bins at £26.50 each.

In comparison, Belfast City Council’s website states that its recycling bins and boxes are free, but there is a charge for general waste bins (£25.50) and home composters (£10).

The price rises at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will be for commercial waste to household recycling centres and trade kerbside collections.

Slieve Gullion Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Larkin said: “My concern would be, if these new service charges are not brought in, it could negatively affect the bin collection services that the council provides.

“I could not support this amendment.”

A majority in chambers (7 to 6) approved the new increase with only Sinn Fein elected members supporting the rise.

An attempt by Mournes DUP councillor Henry Reilly to amend the charges for trailer vehicles into the council household recycling centres was withdrawn in order for a report to be brought back to the committee.

However, Cllr Reilly reacted to the new cost rise saying: “I’ll just say I am very disappointed that Sinn Fein have put another bin tax on us.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Wales coach Steve Tandy gave the choirs his nod of approval as he arrived at the stadium with the squad, who went on to end a 15-game losing streak

Wales brought their Six Nations losing streak to an end with a hard-earned victory over Italy at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, March 14. But unseen footage has emerged capturing the goosebumps moment the Welsh team arrived at the stadium, serenaded by two male voice choirs.

The result on the pitch sparked emotional scenes in Cardiff, but one of the most powerful moments of the day happened well before kick-off, and largely out of sight.

As the Wales squad arrived beneath the stadium, they were met by the sound of two choirs singing in the concourse as players stepped off the team bus. Don’t miss a rugby story, sign up for our newsletter

The renditions of Calon Lân and Bread of Heaven echoed through the corridors – a warm welcome for the team and staff ahead of the match.

One of the choirs, Morriston RFC Male Choir, suggested their performance may have even played a small part in the game result. Performing alongside Cowbridge Male Voice Choir, they described a “great atmosphere” as the squad arrived, adding that they received a thumbs-up from Wales coach Steve Tandy.

For those who witnessed it, it was a fitting pre-match moment – one that set the tone for a long-awaited Welsh win.

The win was the first Welsh victory in the Six Nations competition for three years, and ended a 15-game losing streak.

Wales were in control for long spells in Cardiff, with Aaron Wainwright crossing twice and Dan Edwards adding the extras. Dewi Lake then powered over for a third converted try before the break.

Edwards got on the scoresheet himself early in the second half, going over for a converted bonus-point try as Wales pulled clear in what became a relatively comfortable afternoon for Steve Tandy’s side.

Though it was not a flawless performance as Wales faded somewhat after a strong start – the result was never seriously in doubt.

If nothing else, the game served as a reminder that this group is more capable than many had previously thought. And, perhaps most importantly, it offered something Welsh rugby has been short of for some time: a sense of hope.

Get daily rugby updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice

“The fact that we can extend to another DEA is great, but I would if possible like to see it rolled out across the entire council area.”

Rural patients of two health trusts could benefit from “vital” hospital transport across Northern Ireland amid concerns of a “postcode lottery” for vulnerable people.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s environment committee this week signed off on £45k of funding for voluntary drivers across three of its district electoral areas (DEA).

The community scheme will now expand after a recent consultation paper in chambers showed one DEA with over 70% of its pensioners living alone and 55% of them having missed a hospital appointment due to transport issues.

READ MORE: Emails reveal council and Co Down harbour pier repair dispute

READ MORE: Live stream ‘madness’ in Lagan Valley chamber

Slieve Gullion UUP councillor David Taylor said: “This is a vital scheme and it has been very helpful to my constituents who are very vulnerable.

“It can be a very worrying time for them when they need to go for a hospital appointment, so this is a very important service for them.

“The fact that we can extend to another DEA is great, but I would if possible like to see it rolled out across the entire council area.”

Advertisement

The transport scheme is currently provided free of charge in the DEAs of the Mournes and Slieve Gullion with a pilot scheme to start this September in Crotlieve DEA.

Slieve Croob Alliance councillor Helena Young said: “We absolutely support this very valuable service extending to Crotlieve.

“It is my understanding that there is no volunteer driver scheme or community bus for Annalong, Newcastle and the hinterlands.

“If they continue to not be served it would be preferable to join up the existing services to prevent it turning in to a postcode lottery.”

The expansion of the transport initiative has come about after a council paper addressed concerns over multiple public transport journeys, high cost of taxis and a non-emergency ambulance services being “rarely available.”

Multiple health care connections for vulnerable people in rural settings have been made possible including appointments for Belfast, Craigavon, Downpatrick and Tyrone from the NMDDC area.

Mournes DUP councillor Henry Reilly added: “Our home to hospital service seems to concentrate on the Southern Trust area, though areas like Newcastle are in the South Eastern Trust area.

“If you need to go to the Royal in Belfast, it’s three bus journeys and a taxi.

“If you want to go to Craigavon it’s four bus changes from Annalong.

“It is disappointing they don’t have access to the home to hospital service.”

A council officer responded: “A consultation was carried out in Crotlieve and the funding has now been provided.

“That would be something that we could look at if we were going to expand into Annalong and Newcastle and I can pick up on that with councillors.

“It will just take resources to fund that, which will take some time.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Durham Johnston School at Crossgate Moor has sent all students home after the outage caused issues on site, including reduced access to essential facilities.

In a statement on the schools website, the school said: “There is a power cut that has affected the wider area.

“Updates indicate that we will not be able to provide a full lunch service and we have limited running water and limited functioning toilets. We have therefore made the difficult decision to send pupils home.”

Sixth Form students who were able to do so had already left the site to continue their studies remotely.

However, arrangements for younger students required additional coordination. The school said: “Sixth Form students who are able have already left to work from home. We cannot allow younger students to leave without parental consent.

“We will allow children to use their phones to contact home to seek consent. If you see this message and you consent for your child to go home please send them a text to confirm this.”

Transport arrangements were also put in place, with buses being notified to assist with getting students home safely.

The statement added: “We have alerted school buses who will be arriving shortly to take students home. If you need to collect your child please communicate with them directly.

“This is logistically very complicated and our phone system is also down and we have no Internet. Please bear with us and we will provide further updates if needed. Thank you for your support.”