Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola does not expect Newcastle United's style to change significantly under new boss Matthias Jaissle, but admits the work of analysis teams is crucial ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener at St James' Park.
First competitive matches for both bosses
Both Jaissle and Iraola will take charge of their respective clubs for the first time in a competitive game when the new top-flight season begins on Sunday afternoon. While Iraola has extensive Premier League experience from his time at Bournemouth, this will be Jaissle's first taste of the competition, having previously worked in Austria and Saudi Arabia.
Iraola says he is aware of what the new Magpies boss can do and feels the style will not be drastically different to the high press Newcastle excelled under with Eddie Howe. However, with many new faces in the league this season, the work of analysts is vital to understand what to expect.
Iraola's pre-match comments
"I think Matthias, we knew him from before but first game you over-analyse everything," Iraola said in his pre-match media briefing. "We don't have so many friendlies to reference but in the end it doesn't change the style too much."
"They will be strong in transitions, fast, physical, atmosphere will be strong, so not an easy to be playing first game. We have to be ready."
He added: "We have seen lots of changes of managers, we face a lot first few games. It's an extra part of the job to do - analysing how they played in previous clubs, even certain situations how we can use things they have been doing."
"We are getting to know each other. We want to arrive in our best form. We are ready for when the competition starts. The analysts are very important for us."
Isak's return to Tyneside
Among the many talking points ahead of Sunday's game, the return of Alexander Isak to Tyneside has almost been overlooked. The Sweden international is expected to receive a hostile reception from the Newcastle faithful over the way he left the club for Liverpool 12 months ago.
Iraola has backed his striker to handle the pressure and explained what he expects from him this season. "I suppose it will be a special for the former club when you play them in their stadium, same when I go to Bournemouth," he added. "You always want to do well and everyone will be motivated. Same for Alex."
"He's an important player for us, in a very good place, training every day, adding minutes, played a good World Cup with Sweden. I want to keep him there as much as we can. We know his level, he will score the goals. He will give us a lot of things."
"My fight with him, the instructions, is off the ball. He wants to score but I try not to judge the strikers if they have or haven't scored."
