Newcastle United fans should prepare for high-intensity football under Matthias Jaissle, according to former Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder Didi Hamann, who has warned the squad must step up to match the new head coach's demands.
Jaissle is preparing for his first competitive game in charge of the Magpies on Sunday, when Newcastle host Liverpool in their opening match of the new Premier League season. It has been a huge summer of change on Tyneside, with Jaissle replacing Eddie Howe in the St James' Park hotseat, along with a host of players moving in and out of the club.
Red Bull school of football
Hamann has followed Jaissle's career and gave an insight into what Newcastle fans can expect, although he admitted some of his fellow countrymen didn't realise the new boss was German, having made his name in Austria.
"Matthias Jaissle, he comes from the Red Bull school, he likes fast, forward-moving, high-intensity football," Hamann told ChronicleLive, via Andy's Bet Club. "I think quite a few people didn't even know he was German because he made his name in Austria."
From Austria to Saudi Arabia
Hamann detailed Jaissle's rise, noting he went to Austria early, managed the second team, led the feeder club in the second division, then took over the first team and did a brilliant job. He then made a move which was a bit surprising, as he went to Saudi Arabia despite having opportunities to go to the Bundesliga.
"He won the Asian Champions League there twice, which is a real achievement when you look at the caliber of managers and players over there," Hamann said. "I think he feels it's the right step now to come back to Europe and ply his trade here. You can certainly be prepared for some fast-moving, high-intensity football."
Squad questioned
While there is much uncertainty over what to expect among the United fanbase, there is also a sense of excitement following the arrivals of youngsters such as Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba.
Hamann, however, questioned whether the current squad can deliver what Jaissle demands. "Whether they've got the players to do that, and whether they're good enough, remains to be seen," he said.
