Matthias Jaissle urges Newcastle fans to ‘keep the optimism’ after St James’ Park unveiling
Matthias Jaissle urged Newcastle supporters to “keep the optimism” after being unveiled as the club’s new manager at St James’ Park on Tuesday, acknowledging the side is in a “transition phase” following the sales of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. The 38-year-old, who was the head coach at Al-Ahli and was chosen by the club’s Saudi owners to replace Eddie Howe, spoke to a packed media suite shortly after arriving in the city.
Jaissle entered the media room at precisely 3pm and met attendees by walking into the audience to shake hands before taking the podium; he was described by Newcastle’s Canadian chief executive, David Hopkinson, as “fire” and “a rock star.” Dressed in an open-necked suit with a silk pocket square, the German presented a measured tone that reflected the scale of the task ahead.
Addressing the departures of three key players, Jaissle said: “This is now a vacuum as you call it. They were great characters, great players, experienced players. Obviously we are in that transition phase. My job is to make the best out of it all. I am quite optimistic.” He added: “We are ambitious, that’s the most important thing and why I decided to come here. But it will not happen overnight. I’m pretty sure it will be a successful story. But we need time now.”
On resources for adapting to English football, Jaissle stressed his long-standing relationship with Thomas Tuchel: “It’s been a long connection. Thomas was my youth coach when I was a youth player at Stuttgart. He was amazing, I really admire him. He’s a really special coach and I’m looking forward to staying in touch with him, and getting insights on the league. That’s something I want to use for sure. “But it’s also important to build your own opinions because every coach is their own human being and has their opinions and, sometimes players get stuck in a box. It’s important for me to be neutral about players.”
Referencing his previous work at RB Salzburg, Jaissle described that team’s style as “Front foot, intense, aggressive, vertical and, of course, also successful.” He also recounted a warm reception from supporters after a friendly win in Valencia last Saturday, when travelling fans chanted: “Oh Jaissle I can boogie/You try me once, you’ll beg for more.”
Speaking about the fan welcome in Newcastle, Jaissle said: “All my staff members already said they’re looking forward to sitting after a match in the bar and listening to the song. So let’s see about that! I heard it once and I was smiling. I’m really happy the fans already appreciate me a lot. The welcome from the fans was unbelievable when I was having a walk yesterday in the city. It was really giving me a nice feeling.” He also recalled receiving a phone call last month asking if he would be interested in replacing Howe and said he had “big smiles” at that moment.
Jaissle arrived in Newcastle little more than 48 hours after returning from a training camp at La Manga and reported taking a tour of St James’ Park: “When I entered the pitch here with my assistant coaches for the first time, we were looking at each other with smiles and goosebumps. It’s really special, an amazing stadium. I can’t wait to see it full.” He confirmed there will be further squad adjustments this summer and noted the club’s recruitment has leaned toward young players under the constraints of football’s spending rules, with four of their five summer signings so far aged 20 or younger.
On transfer business currently under discussion, Newcastle are in talks with Benfica about potentially signing Amar Dedic, described in the club’s presentation as a 23-year-old full-back who played for Jaissle at Salzburg and can operate on both the right and the left. Those negotiations form part of the immediate work Jaissle identified as he settles into his role at St James’ Park.