Matthias Jaissle's first game as Newcastle United head coach ended in a 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla stadium, but the victory was overshadowed by an injury to Anthony Elanga that could force a transfer rethink.
Jaissle's reaction speaks volumes
Jaissle, sporting a slick shirt and trousers in the Valencia sun, was intense from the first minute, jumping and gesturing for his players to press. He went beyond his technical area, a habit that will be clamped down on in the Premier League, but his passion was evident.
When Elanga was stretchered off after a late challenge from Jose Gaya, who was shown a straight red card, Jaissle raced to the linesman to protest. Elanga had been the bright spark in the first half, and Newcastle insiders had expected him to have a huge second season after a positive World Cup with Sweden.
The injury is a shin contusion and not thought to be serious, but with Jacob Murphy linked with a move away, a new winger could move up the transfer priority list alongside a midfielder and a full-back.
Woltemade gets his wish but Wissa shines
Jaissle set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed Nick Woltemade to play as a number 10 behind Will Osula. Woltemade had recently said he plays his best football in that role, but he did not affect the game as much as he would have liked.
Instead, it was Yoane Wissa who made an instant impression off the bench, scoring a brace. His first was an opportunistic finish after latching onto a loose pass, and his second came after Bazoumana Toure set him up for an easy tap-in.
Shock Bruno captain successor?
Dan Burn remains the favourite to succeed Bruno Guimaraes as club captain, but Malick Thiaw was named captain at the Mestalla. Thiaw played more than any other player last season and has impressed Jaissle in training. It will be interesting to see if he keeps the armband for Wednesday's friendly against Everton.
Toure the pick of the new signings
Bazoumana Toure, the £43million summer signing, was the pick of the new players on show. He looked rapid, put in decent crosses, and assisted Wissa's second goal. He also created a chance for Jacob Murphy, who headed over.
Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek and midfielder Aladji Bamba also made their debuts, with Bamba showing calmness and good first touch, drawing comparisons to Paul Pogba.
Newcastle fans enjoy Valencia sun
It was baking hot in Valencia, and the 2,000 Newcastle fans who made the trip enjoyed the perfect weather, packing out bars in Placa del Reina and making themselves heard at the Mestalla.
