Matthias Jaissle opened his tenure with Newcastle United with a friendly win over Valencia, a result that offered a first look at his approach and the club’s new direction after a turbulent year.
There has been little time to waste following sweeping changes. Former head coach Eddie Howe has departed and key performers Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have all left in the past 12 months.
Some traveling supporters leaned on gallows humour, reworking a terrace chant that once name-checked Guimaraes and Isak, who are now with Arsenal and Liverpool. “We’ve got someone in the middle, he knows exactly what we need. [Sven] Botman at the back, someone in attack, Newcastle are going to win the Premier League,” they sang.
Even so, it is not hard to picture those gaps being filled as a new cohort emerges. The squad’s average age has dropped markedly, and 28-year-old forward Harvey Barnes was the oldest starter against Valencia.
It looked a glimpse of the path ahead as debuts went to goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, 24, midfielder Aladji Bamba, 20, and forward Toure, 20, while 18-year-old Steur impressed off the bench.
Jaissle built his reputation developing young talent at RB Salzburg, a key reason for his appointment, and he says he understands what is required. “Time is the key,” Matthias Jaissle said. “They’re young lads. It’s never going to be easy in football, especially at the highest level, but we’re here to do that.”
Malick Thiaw was among the senior figures as he captained Newcastle on his 25th birthday, and the side will need youthful energy to meet Jaissle’s demanding style.
Throughout Saturday’s match the new head coach was an animated presence, constantly urging his team forward and rarely staying inside his technical area. At times he even sprinted down the touchline alongside his players as they broke toward goal.
Matthias Jaissle focuses on youth and intensity
The early signs under Matthias Jaissle point to a high-tempo approach built on developing younger players, with opportunities already handed to several prospects in Spain. The win at Valencia offered an encouraging first step as Newcastle adjusts to life after a series of high-profile departures.
The emphasis on younger players and adaptation after a managerial change mirrors the experience of Man Utd women adjust after Skinner exit, where a squad also faced a new direction following a key departure.