Matthias Jaissle has described Newcastle United as “an incredibly compelling place to be” after his managerial move from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli was finally confirmed.
Jaissle's arrival and background
The 38-year-old German has been with his new players at their training camp in La Manga, southern Spain, since last Saturday. Al-Ahli, also under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, took time to provide Newcastle with vital paperwork regarding the release of a head coach they were reluctant to lose.
Jaissle won two Asian Champions Leagues at the Jeddah-based club and previously had success at RB Salzburg, establishing himself as one of the brightest young coaches in football. He will now be installed as head coach at St James’ Park.
The challenge ahead
Jaissle faces the considerable task of succeeding Eddie Howe with the new season only a fortnight away. Newcastle have lost three key players this summer: Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães, who is set to join Arsenal.
Jaissle remains undaunted. “When Newcastle United come your way you take notice,” he said. “The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be.”
Jaissle's vision and backing
Under Howe, Newcastle’s motto was “intensity is our identity,” and Jaissle suggested he would follow a similar path. “My teams are built on togetherness, hard work and a passion to improve every single day,” he said. “I believe there is enormous potential within this squad and throughout this football club.”
With Howe’s coaching staff having departed, Jaissle is assembling a new backroom team. David Hopkinson, Newcastle’s chief executive, and Ross Wilson, the sporting director, have expressed faith in his ability to revive the club after a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League last season. Hopkinson said, “Matthias is one of the most exciting and highly regarded young coaches in football and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Newcastle.” Wilson added, “Matthias’s leadership style and football philosophy are strongly aligned with our sporting vision.”
