Newcastle: Matthias Jaissle urges team to ignore external negativity ahead of Liverpool match
Jaissle’s confidence in young talent
Matthias Jaissle, the new head coach for Newcastle, has expressed his full confidence in the club’s young players, who he believes are currently under significant pressure. He hopes that both supporters and the media will adopt a similar belief in the squad. Jaissle is preparing for his inaugural Premier League match at St James’ Park this Sunday, where Liverpool will be the visitors.
The German coach may give competitive debuts to as many as three of the club’s four summer signings who are aged 20 or younger. Jaissle highlighted the importance of not adding further external pressure on these young talents, stating they already face considerable expectations as they step up to a level they may not yet be accustomed to. He emphasised his full commitment, trust, and respect for their development.
Jaissle, who previously managed RB Salzburg and Al-Ahli, noted that there is negativity surrounding Newcastle. He advised his team to be smart and avoid this external negativity, which he observes in newspapers, media, and particularly social media. He aims to utilise this situation to the team’s advantage.
Squad adjustments and future plans
Just two weeks into his role, following a summer that saw Newcastle lose key players such as Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães to Barcelona, Tottenham, and Arsenal respectively, Jaissle acknowledged that the team is not yet at 100%. He indicated that the squad is expected to be further strengthened by at least one more signing in the coming days. When asked about the current percentage of readiness, Jaissle humorously stated he is not proficient in mathematics but confirmed there is a gap to reach their full potential, which he considers normal given the circumstances. He described the club’s approach as smart, realistic, and ambitious.
Amar Dedic, a former player under Jaissle, has joined Newcastle this week in a £30m move from Benfica and is set to start at right-back. Jaissle praised Dedic as a “perfect fit” and noted that his familiarity with Jaissle’s playing style from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg is beneficial. However, Tino Livramento and Joelinton are expected to be out for a couple of weeks, making them unavailable for the upcoming match.
Jaissle also touched upon the need for “adjustments” to the squad in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window. He stated that the club’s management is aware of these needs, and they are aligned on the approach. While he did not provide a specific number for potential new signings, he indicated that it would depend on whether other players also depart. The club aims to use the remaining transfer window effectively while also trusting the current players.
The head coach does not appear daunted by the task of rebuilding a club that sees itself as a contender for a top-four position. He explained that he tried not to overthink the challenge beforehand and is aware that there will be obstacles. He believes in seeing opportunities in these challenges and feels the players are committed to navigating this transition period. Jaissle expressed optimism for the future, highlighting the club’s goal of working with and developing young talents, which aligns with his own experience at Salzburg and with stars in Saudi Arabia.
Tributes and home advantage
The upcoming match against Liverpool will feature tributes to the late Kevin Keegan, a legend for both Newcastle and Liverpool, who passed away over the summer. Jaissle described Keegan as a pivotal figure for Newcastle, stating that he is the reason the club is at its current level. He anticipates an outstanding atmosphere for the game, noting that the combination of Keegan’s legacy at both clubs makes the occasion special.
Jaissle is looking forward to his first appearance at a sold-out St James’ Park, calling it an “amazing privilege” to coach Newcastle United against a top team. He believes that a strong synergy with the fans, coupled with their backing, can create a significant advantage for the team. He urged for togetherness among players, staff, and supporters, seeing it as the biggest message and benefit for the season.
The club also announced plans for a new £190m training facility at Woolsington Hall, near Newcastle airport, expected to be ready for the start of the 2029-30 season. Jaissle views this as a positive sign for the future and a good combination with the club’s young squad. He currently considers the team’s training base in Benton his home and praised Newcastle, stating the new facility will be world-class and set standards for the ambitious club. The match against Liverpool is scheduled for Sunday, with kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Source: theguardian.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
