Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle has demonstrated his commitment to fostering a team ethic at St James' Park through a gesture that went unnoticed by TV cameras following the 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Brom.
Within less than a month at the helm, Jaissle has made it clear that everyone at the club has a role to play. According to Chronicle Live, this approach has been visible around the training ground and stadium. Jaissle is not believed to have a special table reserved for himself and his staff during meal times at the canteen at the KNOX, instead choosing to "work the room" during refuelling times.
Classy Gesture and Opponent Respect
As he left the pitch after acknowledging supporters, Jaissle congratulated his players, but the last person he thanked before heading to the dressing room was one of the groundsmen, underlining the group ethic he is trying to instil.
Jaissle also took time to speak with West Brom boss James Morrison after the five-goal thriller. Jaissle said: "I had a chat with the gaffer (James Morrison). They’re doing really well, I think they will play a great role in the Championship. I'll be following their progress and I told him that."
Reflecting on the match, Jaissle added: "It was important we saw character on the pitch, also after the second equaliser we stepped back and straight away we scored, that helped us of course. We are happy, an entertaining match for the fans."
Millwall Trip on the Horizon
The Carabao Cup third round draw has set up a trip to Millwall, a venue Newcastle have not visited in the modern era. Their last visit to Millwall was in the old First Division, when Kevin Keegan's side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Lee Clark and Andy Cole at Cold Blow Lane.
Ahead of the trip to South Bermondsey, Jaissle told Chronicle Live: "I heard in the back office that it will be a crazy game. We can't influence the draw. We'll take it as it is and do our best with it."
Barnes' Impact Off the Bench
Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score twice against his old club, securing Newcastle's passage into round three. The forward now has 32 goals in a Newcastle shirt, having started just 63 games in all competitions.
Jaissle made it clear that Barnes will not be judged solely on goals, saying: "It’s not only goals (that he contributes). As we saw also against Liverpool he was doing a really great job, not only in possession, also out of possession. He is disciplined, especially also with the combination with (Lewis) Hall. We’re really pleased, I thanked him after the match, it was important that he scored."
