He’s only played a few games and has been relatively under the radar considering everything that’s happened in the Premier League this summer, but it’s safe to say that Malick Thiaw is already looking like one of the best signings any club has made in 2025.
The young German has dazzled in defense and his performances have received rave reviews from both his new teammates and the Toon fanbase.
And in a new interview with BeIN Sports, Thiaw showed how happy he is with the start of his career in Newcastle, thanking the fans in particular; which have clearly blown him away so far!
🗣️ “It’s incredible… I expected it to be great, but even I was surprised by the fans – every ball, every match, it’s crazy!” ⚫️⚪️
Malick Thiaw about the atmosphere at St. James’ Park, life in Newcastle and his teammate Nick Woltemade!
🎤 @AndyKerrtv#beINPL #NUFC pic.twitter.com/kXd3c56GNs
– botsports (@beinsports_en) October 7, 2025
Thrown into the deep end almost immediately upon arrival, and replacing an injured Fabian Schar, Thiaw could very easily have succumbed to the early pressure and showed signs of major unrest on Tyneside.
In fact it has been quite the opposite and Thiaw says he is extremely happy with life as a Newcastle United player following his move from AC Milan.
“I think I’ve settled in really well, both off the pitch and on the pitch. The people here are very hospitable, they really made me feel welcome. So yeah, I’m really happy here and so is my family.”
“I think you can’t be so focused on football because you also have a life outside of football and that comes together. I think I’m very happy here in both respects.”
Moving from the Bundesliga to Serie A to the Premier League is quite a career path, and the different defensive styles are difficult for any defender to adapt to.
And Thiaw has admitted that English football has made him play very differently to how he played in Milan.
“I think the way we play is really intense, much more intense than football in Germany and Italy.”
“You have more man markings, you sometimes defend the entire field, which means that sometimes you have to be more attentive. You have to run more, you have to sprint more.”
Having played a number of big games at the San Siro, Thiaw has admitted that even he didn’t know what to really expect from the crowd now that he has arrived at St James’ Park.
Given his own chant from the fans, the fans have cheered almost every move he and Sven Botman have made so far this season, making the German really appreciate the support from the home crowd.
“I have to say it’s incredible. I’ve heard it’s amazing.
“I expected it to be great, but even I was so surprised at how the fans went crazy with every ball and every game, it’s crazy! I’ve never seen anything like it.”
When asked about his compatriot Nick Woltemade, who also came to us with high expectations, but with the additional difficult fact that he had to leave his native Germany for the first time, Thiaw is happy for the striker because he also settled easily.
“I think it was very important for him to have a good start, and he scored straight away, so that made it much easier for him.
“He is a great player, there is no discussion about that. I think he has already shown it, everyone knows that.”
“But when you come as 9, there is of course pressure on your back. So it was very important for him to score, and now he can just play his game and show people what he can do for this club.”
Captain Bruno Guimaraes has previously spoken about how impressed he is with the duo’s start in black and white, with Thiaw as stunned as the captain watching Woltemade and how different he is not just to Alexander Isak, but to every striker in the Premier League.
“I think everyone here at this club will be very happy with his performance.”
“I’ve never seen a striker so big and so good on the ball. His technique is great.”
#Malick #Thiaw #reveals #Newcastle #surprise #interview #Watch