Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has pushed the spotlight back on to the club's 'decision makers' after watching his new team beaten 3-1 by Everton.
First defeat and a reality check
The new German boss suffered his first defeat at Newcastle as the Magpies were served something of a reality check at Murrayfield, with Jaissle forced into making TEN changes at half-time before admitting a new right-back and a central midfielder need to be signed before the window slams shut.
The ex-Al-Ahli coach took on the challenge of the Toon job knowing that Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes had gone, not to mention Kieran Trippier leaving on a free transfer.
Vacuum in dressing room experience
For the second time in 24 hours, Jaissle mentioned there is a 'vacuum' at St James' Park in terms of dressing room experience.
When asked if a right-back and a central midfielder were needed, Jaissle said: "That's right. But you're smart. I will never tell you publicly. Like I said that already, we handle these things internally with all the respect to the decision makers. And will always continue like that."
When asked if he was confident he will get what he wants before trading closes at the start on September 1, Jaissle used a German idiom, Wunschkonzert, when reacting to questions on whether his wish-list will be delivered.
Board need no reminders
Jaissle suggested his board need no reminders of what is required. He said: "Life is not a wish concert, unfortunately (in terms of getting your desires). Not in football, not in life. But again, internally we we're really clear."
After going down to goals from Thierno Barry, Iliman Ndiaye (penalty) and Tyrique George, a consolation strike from Harvey Barnes only added a slight bit of respectability to the scoreline late in the game.
It was a stark reality check for the new Magpies manager just 11 days away from their Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James' Park.
Jaissle said: "We played today against a competitor in the Premier League. I think the start was really good, exciting to see how the players can perform in the way we want to play.
"Unfortunately, then after the first goal we conceded, it was a setback also to see. This is something we need to address also, in all honesty. And then in the second half we changed completely."
Youngest back four
Jaissle played a team of kids in his back four after the break with Academy products Mason Miley, Henry Johnson, Miodrag Pivas and Dylan Charlton making up the defensive rearguard, underlining the need for more new blood at the back.
England star Tino Livramento will miss the start of the season and Lewis Miley, who can also play in that position, is touch and go.
Jaissle said: "I think that is probably the youngest back four you can bring on the pitch. But I'm always happy to see the young lads from the academy, giving them game time. They're also doing well against physically strong opponents."
