Matthias Jaissle watched on as Newcastle United lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen.
A couple of weeks into his new job, it was the Head Coach’s first experience of a match at St James’ Park, albeit a friendly.
Matthias Jaissle reflecting on his first ever game at the home of Newcastle United: “I was so happy to see the atmosphere, so I can’t even imagine what it will look like against Liverpool when the stadium is full and we get the whole support. We need to stick together. With these challenges now, this transitional moment, we need the fans together with the players and the staff.”
The new upcoming season is looking a tough one, a “huge challenge” the new boss admits.
However, Matthias Jaissle still upbeat and accepting this challenge: “We know the reality and we do the best out of that reality. What we can do, it is pretty simple. We can do our best every day. Day in, day out together with the lads we have here. That’s our approach. I like these challenges.”
The new boss not helped by the ridiculous notion of splitting the Newcastle United team/squad across two fixtures on consecutive days a week before the new season.
Matthias Jaissle going on to say: “Together with these fans, you saw that today they bring the energy. They will bring the pure commitment and the belief and we will have the same. If the synergy comes across and we have that bond, then we will go through that even stronger.”
One of the few bright spots was 17 year old midfielder Mason Miley performing well at right-back, until forced off with cramp late on: “This is the attitude we need. Really suffering until the tank is empty.”
A Newcastle United that was already low on strength in depth, then losing some of the best and most experienced players this summer.
The need for more signings is transparent.
Matthias Jaissle not hiding from that: “It is important that there will be something done in the transfer market. I think everyone at the club is aligned on that. Everyone is involved in the club, in the management, and there will be changes for sure. As I mentioned in the press conference previously and also in interviews, the club knows exactly the needs. This is for sure not the right place to talk about the positions and for sure not about names.”
The new boss revealing that Joelinton will miss the start of the season, only adding to the need for experienced quality players to arrive.
Matthias Jaissle: “You need experience in the current squad and now with Joelinton, a player who’s unfortunately injured, so he will be missing a couple of weeks as it looks right now. This is something we need to solve as soon as possible.”
As for the leadership group within the squad, Matthias Jaissle: “We made the decision on Friday and we announced internally that Dan Burn is the captain representing the team and the club and Joelinton is the vice-captain. All the other positions I will take my time as first of all, we are not that long here. As a coaching staff, I want to get to know the players much better. There’s still the transfer window and then at one point there will also be a leadership group involved with more names.”
Newcastle United schedule:
Sunday 16 August 2026
Newcastle United v Strasbourg friendly at St James’ Park, 4pm.
Sunday 23 August 2026
Newcastle v Liverpool 4.30pm – United’s first Premier League match of the season