Matthias Jaissle is the overwhelming favourite to replace Eddie Howe as Newcastle United's manager after Howe left the club on Thursday morning. The 48-year-old German, currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, is expected to lead the Magpies into the new Premier League campaign.
Many Newcastle fans may know little about Jaissle, but one of his former players has given an insight into the character of the man set to take the reins at St James' Park. Rasmus Kristensen, who played under Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg and later at Leeds United, described him as "a born winner" in an interview in 2021.
'A born winner'
Kristensen, who spent time at Leeds between 2022 and 2025, said Jaissle possesses a special winning mentality.
“To me, he is a born winner; he possesses that special winning mentality. Matthias wants to win every game - a mentality I share completely,” Kristensen said.
“He spurs us players on from the sidelines and instills a belief in success as we step onto the pitch. At the same time, he is a level-headed individual who makes the right decisions calmly.”
“This combination of motivator and tactically elite coach is fantastic. Matthias has played a huge part in our current success - perhaps the biggest part of all.”
Silverware and history
Jaissle guided Salzburg to the Austrian Bundesliga title and the Austrian Cup in his first season in charge, while also leading the club to the Champions League knockout phase for the first time in their history. He followed that with another league crown in his second season, plus a run to the Europa League knockout phase.
After leaving Salzburg in 2023, Jaissle joined Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. He has since won two AFC Champions League titles, becoming the first manager ever to do so in the competition's history.
