Matthias Jaissle confirmed as Newcastle United head coach
Matthias Jaissle was officially announced as Newcastle United’s head coach at St James’ Park on 5 August 2026. The 38-year-old German has been with his new players at the club’s training camp in La Manga, southern Spain, since last Saturday.
Jaissle formalised his move from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli after the Jeddah-based club, which also falls under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, took time to provide Newcastle with the paperwork required for his release. He won two Asian Champions Leagues at Al-Ahli and had enjoyed earlier success during his stint in charge of RB Salzburg. Jaissle is regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in football.
Succeeding Eddie Howe presents a significant challenge with the start of the new season only a fortnight away, particularly after Newcastle lost three players this summer: Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and the Arsenal-bound Bruno Guimarães. The club finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League last season, a position Jaissle has been tasked with improving.
“When Newcastle United come your way you take notice,” he said. “The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be.
“I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on.”
Under Howe, Newcastle’s motto was “intensity is our identity” and Jaissle indicated he would adopt a similar approach. “My teams are built on togetherness, hard work and a passion to improve every single day,” he said. “I believe there is enormous potential within this squad and throughout this football club. I give my complete commitment and total energy to bringing further success to Newcastle.”
With Howe’s coaching staff having departed with him, Jaissle is assembling a new backroom team. David Hopkinson, Newcastle’s chief executive, said: “Matthias is one of the most exciting and highly regarded young coaches in football and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Newcastle.” Ross Wilson, the sporting director, added: “Matthias’s leadership style and football philosophy are strongly aligned with our sporting vision. His teams play high-energy football and we could feel his passion during all our discussions throughout the recruitment process.”
Jaissle faces the immediate task of building his backroom staff and preparing the squad as the new season approaches in a fortnight, with the club having confirmed his appointment and the executive leadership publicly expressing their support.