Matthias Jaissle is working around the clock to get things right at Newcastle United as he gets to grips with what has been a crash course for life in the Premier League. The German head coach edged past only his second month in England last week and has only just switched from living in the Dakota Hotel on the Quayside into an apartment. Jaissle admits that he has not spent much time sight-seeing on Tyneside or taking in too much of the region's coastline or countryside as he looks to get things right at St James' Park.
Insights from Pascal Gross
It is believed that Jaissle has spent time with close friend and former Hoffenheim team-mate Pascal Gross to gain further insights into the cut and thrust world of the Premier League. And Gross, the current EA SPORTS Player of the Month, is the perfect guide to life in the top-flight. He has netted four goals and produced 10 assists so far in all competitions this season. With over 250 appearances in the bag for Brighton, across two spells, Gross can certainly be an inspiration to a host of Newcastle players and is a trusted voice for Jaissle.
Although, the friendship will have to be paused on November 29 when Newcastle travel to the South Coast to face Gross and Brighton in what already looks like a crunch game.
Sean Neave impresses on loan at Wolves
The Geordie striker got his chance in attack for Wolves in the away trip to Burnley on Sky Sports' Friday night offering from Turf Moor. And he more than played his part in a 2-1 away win for his loan club by laying on an assist for Fer Lopez in the 39th minute after being named in from the start due to injuries for ex-Toon star Adam Armstrong and Mexico international Raul Jimenez. Neave's combination with Lopez had cancelled out veteran Jamie Vardy's opener for the Clarets. Neave went off with 20 minutes to go with his replacement Tawanda Chirewa steaming through to score the winner with his first touch.
That's now six appearances for Wolves for 19-year-old Neave with the Winlaton lad getting exactly the type of experience Newcastle were looking for this season.
Nick Woltemade's joy at Juventus
Nick Woltemade was in much better fettle this week after scoring his first goal from open play for Juventus. The Germany international put a couple of misses for Germany and Juve behind him by netting in the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in the Europa League for the Turin club. What is becoming clear is that Woltemade is showing how effective he can be when playing alongside a strike partner after forging a good relationship with French international Kolo Muani.
Speaking after his goal in Spain this week, Woltemade said: "I'm delighted with the win. I did some good things tonight, though I can certainly do better. I'm pleased with the goal, it's definitely something that gives a striker confidence, and I want to keep improving to help the team even more. I enjoy playing alongside Kolo Muani, when we're together in the penalty area, it's harder for the opposition to defend. I'm also delighted with his goal."
Woltemade is on a season-long loan deal with Juve with no recall clause in his current arrangement, despite talk of a January return. That was a story Chronicle Live broke on September 1 with suggestions in Italy that he was in line for a January comeback believed to off target. In any case, Juve boss Luciano Spalletti is delighted with Woltemade, and the feeling appears to be mutual, with Woltemade admitting this week: "I'm happy. I have faith in my coach, I think every choice he makes will be the right one."
Magpies support No Room For Racism
United will support the Premier League's No Room For Racism campaign against Aston Villa at St. James' Park later tonight. A club statement read ahead of the game: "All Premier League matches from 17-25 October are dedicated to the campaign, reinforcing football's collective commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Supporters will see No Room For Racism branding across St. James' Park, including on the pre-match handshake board, ball plinth and substitution boards. Ahead of kick-off, players from both teams will also take the knee to show solidarity against discrimination, sending a clear message that racism has no place in football or wider society."
Shola Ameobi, now the club's Head of Corporate Affairs, is a member of the Premier League's Black Participants Advisory Group. The group helped develop the No Room For Racism Action Plan in 2021 and continues to provide guidance on issues relating to race and ethnicity. Ameobi said: "I was lucky enough to play for the club I love and have enjoyed holding different roles since retiring. In each of these I have seen the power Newcastle United has in uniting communities. Football has an incredible ability to bring people together and I know how committed the Premier League is to ensuring there is improved diversity in all areas of the game through its No Room For Racism Action Plan. There is always more to do, particularly in the fight against discrimination. The league and clubs will continue working together to make a firm stand against racism, while developing inclusivity within the workplace and creating more opportunities for people from all backgrounds."
