Matthias Jaissle has been appointed as Newcastle United's new head coach, replacing Eddie Howe, and will make his competitive debut against Liverpool on August 23. The German, who previously managed Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, has a history with a Liverpool legend: Roberto Firmino.
Jaissle's Appointment and the Liverpool Clash
Liverpool will face a new man in the dugout after Newcastle United unveiled Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach following Eddie Howe's departure from St. James' Park. The Reds open their Premier League campaign away against the Magpies on August 23.
The game will act as a competitive debut in charge for both Jaissle and new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola. Meanwhile, there is added spice to the occasion as Alexander Isak returns to his former club for the first time since signing for the Reds in controversial circumstances last summer. World Cup winner Victor Munoz could also make his Liverpool debut against the very side he had looked set to sign for before the Reds swooped in.
Jaissle's Excitement and Background
Jaissle will hope to get the better of Liverpool and is delighted to have taken over at St. James' Park. "It is an incredible honour to become head coach of Newcastle United," he said following confirmation of his appointment on Wednesday night. "This is one of the biggest clubs in European football, with a unique history, identity and supporter base, and I am excited to experience that passion and connection first-hand."
"When Newcastle United comes your way, you take notice. The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be. I have followed the club's journey closely in recent years and the progress that has been made is clear for everyone to see," he continued.
"I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on. My teams are built on togetherness, hard work, intensity and a passion to improve every single day. I will bring full commitment, full energy and a determination to give everything I have to help this club achieve its ambitions."
"I believe there is enormous potential within this squad and throughout the football club. I am excited to work with the players, staff and leadership team to help take the club forward. I cannot wait to get started and will attack this opportunity. I give my complete commitment and total energy to bringing further success to Newcastle United."
Jaissle admittedly isn't yet a household name in English football, but the German is very well-known to Newcastle owners PIF. The 38-year-old has spent the past three seasons in charge of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli, who are also owned by PIF, and made history in each of his three seasons at the club.
The Firmino Connection
Roberto Firmino joined Al-Ahli after leaving the Reds in the summer of 2023, with the Brazilian becoming one of Jaissle's marquee signings during his first season in charge. In doing so, he reunited with a former team-mate having actually played alongside the German during his own time at Hoffenheim.
However, the former Liverpool star faced increasing scrutiny before below-par performances during his time in Saudi Arabia, leading to Jaissle brutally axing the forward from his Saudi Pro League squad in February 2025. "It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules," the German explained at the time. "We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He's still one of our leaders."
Jaissle's decision was a result of Al-Ahli signing Galeno from FC Porto that January, leaving them with one too many overseas players. But while he was unable to play in the Saudi Pro League during the second half of the season, he was still eligible to play in the AFC Champions League and actually played a starring role to captain them to a surprise continental triumph.
Following his domestic omission, Firmino made seven Champions League appearances during the second half of the season - captaining Al-Ahli in all of them - as he returned an eye-catching four goals and six assists. Such a run included a goal and an assist in the quarter-final victory over Buriram United, a goal in the semi-final win against Al-Hilal and two assists as Al-Ahli won 2-0 against Kawasaki Frontale to be crowned champions of Asia.
It was the perfect response from Firmino, but it did not salvage his future at the club. In July 2005, he signed a two-year deal with Qatari side Al Sadd after mutually agreeing to leave Al-Ahli a year before the end of his contract.
While Jaissle's treatment of Firmino was rather cut-throat, you cannot argue with the results. A success at both Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli, he will now be hoping to achieve something similar in the Premier League. But Liverpool will at least look to consign Jaissle to a losing debut outing later this month.
