Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has insisted that Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are not merely squad players this season, as the club weighs up potential changes for the weekend's match against Crystal Palace.
Both defenders, aged 34, are in the latter stages of their careers. Schar has taken on a back-up role this season, while Burn has made just two substitute appearances so far, having recently recovered from an ankle injury. Burn was part of Thomas Tuchel's dressing room leadership during last summer's World Cup and featured as a squad player in the United States.
Jaissle's Faith in Veterans
Some fans have called for Burn and Schar to be restored to the starting defence against Palace. The pair were key members of the Eddie Howe team that won the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League qualification. However, Jaissle has preferred Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw for most of the campaign.
Asked whether Burn could emulate his World Cup role under Tuchel, Jaissle said: "I could not have had too much of an impression of him because when he arrived in Newcastle after the World Cup he was injured straight away. Only now are we seeing him and what he brings. I see him training and qualities on the pitch, and his leadership qualities off the pitch. He's an important player for us for sure. And he brings these elements on and off the pitch, we should enjoy having him back."
Keeping Players Happy
Jaissle acknowledged that keeping Schar and Burn satisfied with substitute roles is challenging. "It's the same for all the other players. In fact, if you are not playing, you should not be happy - I hope they are not happy if they are not playing. If they were happy, something would be wrong. If they are satisfied with being on the bench, it would be wrong," he said.
On Schar, who has played just three times since January, Jaissle added: "Fabian is the same as Dan, he has been out a long time, he is getting better and better physically in training. And we see his experience every day. For him, I am really happy that he's now had a few weeks where he could progress on a physical level, but also gave him the confidence again to play football."
Leadership Group Revamp
One of Jaissle's first moves as manager was to hand Burn the club captaincy, following the summer departures of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal and Sandro Tonali to Spurs. Burn, Yoane Wissa, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Miley, and vice-captain Joelinton form the revamped leadership group.
Jaissle said: "Of course, you still have a leadership group that you rely on to take that accountability and responsibility, but there is also a process. There will be players stepping into that role, especially if they are so young. Suddenly, you found out, 'Wow, he showed up now.' They show that confidence on the pitch when he delivers exactly these attributes so that is progress. But we already have a group who can deliver that And having the captain that helps for sure."
Focus on Crystal Palace
Palace come into the game after a Europa League trip to Istanbul to face Besiktas and a recent 5-0 defeat at Brighton. Asked if it was a good time to play the Eagles, Jaissle said: "There is always times where you would and wouldn’t like to play against an opposition. They have had a heavy defeat and then drew yesterday. They will want a reaction. We can only focus on ourselves, what we can control. We are fully focused on Crystal Palace, to deliver the match plan."
