New Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle held his first press conference on English soil at St James' Park, where he revealed he has 'social media spies', admitted he is 'scared' about respecting his technical area, and gave a one-word reply on the captaincy question.
First impressions and a personal touch
Jaissle, who had previously spoken to the media in La Manga and after Saturday's win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, hopped off the stage to shake hands with every journalist in the room before taking questions. The gesture is likely to earn respect from those who will question him throughout the season.
In a 25-minute briefing, Jaissle showed more of his personality than in his earlier, more reserved appearances. When a reporter asked about last season's tactical struggles, Jaissle commended the question with 'Good analysis!' before offering insight into his approach.
"Football is really complex," he began. "We need to be intense to win but we do want to have the ball also as well. We need to have solutions. We need to be smart. We need to have a clear identity as to how we want to play."
Touchline behaviour and fan connections
Jaissle provoked laughter when he admitted he needs to rein in how much he leaves his technical area during matches. In Valencia, he was practically overlapping Anthony Elanga at times as he barked instructions.
"I will not change my style because that's my personality," Jaissle explained. "On the touchline, I am emotional. But I need to respect a bit more the box. I am a bit scared. I had a long line in Saudi Arabia, so I think the GPS would be quite high if I had worn it!"
He also revealed his 'social media spies' had informed him of the chant Newcastle fans created in Spain to the tune of Baccara's 'Yes Sir, I can Boogie'. "I have my spies who follow social media and they told me about the special song already created," Jaissle revealed. "My first feeling when I entered the pitch here with my assistant coaches, we were just looking at each other with a big smile and goosebumps."
Serious moments and transfer business
There were serious moments too. Jaissle reminded one reporter that he had already answered their question earlier in the press conference, something that also happened in Spain. He questioned another reporter's definition of 'busy' regarding the club's transfer business but told reporters to 'keep the optimism' about the club's prospects for the rest of the window.
He referred to 'Ross' being in charge of transfer business, rather than 'the sporting director' as he had in Spain. He chose not to air the club's transfer business in public but confirmed there will be adjustments in the squad. He also declined to over-promise on the club's ambitions for the season.
When asked about the club's captaincy and who will succeed Bruno Guimaraes, he remained tight-lipped, shutting down the question with a simple 'No'.
Excitement and future plans
Beneath the hard-faced exterior, Jaissle expressed genuine excitement. He said he had 'goosebumps' when he saw St James' Park for the first time and that he and his assistant coaches 'could not stop smiling' at the thought of managing there when it is full.
Having only been in Newcastle for 36 hours, the passion of fans he encountered on the Quayside gave him a crash course in what to expect. "I received a call at the end of July," Jaissle continued. "It was clear that it was most likely Eddie would quit with, and obviously, there's, first of all, a club reaching out from the Premier League, and then also a club like Newcastle, that's special."
"The history, with that fanbase, with that DNA, which is so linked to the idea how I want to play football, there was no doubt, no question marks to listen and to take that process further."
His passion on the touchline matches that in the stands. Jaissle hopes that 'synergy' will lead to success. As first auditions before the media go, he passed with flying colours. All eyes will now be fixed on what happens on the pitch, starting with tomorrow's trip to Edinburgh to face Everton at Murrayfield Stadium.
