Matthias Jaissle has dismissed suggestions his position as Newcastle United manager is under threat, despite overseeing four defeats in the club's last five matches. The Magpies were booed off after a 1-0 home loss to Everton on Monday night, their second defeat to David Moyes' side in four days following a Carabao Cup exit, and they have won only two of their last seven games.
Newcastle sit 13th in the Premier League, and the 38-year-old, who replaced Eddie Howe in the summer, says he is confident about his future. Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham, Jaissle acknowledged the external speculation but stressed the backing he feels from within the club.
Manager confident of support
“I try to not follow the things that are written, but of course, here and there, you get some comments,” Jaissle said. “But the nice part is that I got even more of the feeling from within the club how committed they are, and that's something really important in a week where there are speculations or rumours.
“This is something we cannot influence, so that was good, good to know, good to feel, but I try again also in these aspects not being distracted. There's no need for meetings, you feel that in the everyday work. We're working here on the training ground every day from the morning until the evening, and this is something you feel then.
“Of course you get here and there is a message, and that just shows me that everyone is believing in the long-term project, and that everyone also is aware and is realistic about the journey and where we are right now.”
Players 'confused' by instructions
Jaissle arrived with a reputation for implementing a high-intensity pressing game, and the Daily Mail has reported that some players have been left 'confused' by his instructions for matches. The German manager, however, is convinced everyone is on the same page.
“Really clear,” Jaissle said. “As we lead with open doors, we listen a lot, not only talking. For me, at least in my leadership style, it's also important that you listen to the players. We always offer them the open door, so if there's anything unclear, then they will drop in and they have the chance for it.
“But it's like always in life and in football, right? You can probably also refer to that. Sometimes you want to do your best, but it's a day where you just couldn't, and that was the case against Everton, that we unfortunately really didn't show a lot of the things we wanted to do.”
He added: “We have such a good group and such a good relationship already that again, the door is always open and if anything is unclear they are more than welcome to talk about it. When you see them in training and see how we are doing, I am pretty sure that everyone understands and are fully committed.”
Newcastle now face Fulham on Saturday, needing a result to ease the pressure mounting on their manager.
