The Saudi Public Investment Fund's head of international direct investments, Jacobo Solis, made a low-key appearance at Newcastle United's media centre ahead of the club's pre-match press briefing with head coach Matthias Jaissle. Solis, appointed to Newcastle's board of directors last year, took a seat at the back of the room before Jaissle addressed reporters about Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace.
Solis was last seen watching one of Jaissle's first training sessions in La Manga during the Magpies' pre-season tour, and he was part of a club delegation that spoke to journalists ahead of the new season. His presence on Tyneside came after a difficult week for Jaissle, whose early-season goodwill has been eroded by concerns over the team's defensive record, particularly after a 4-1 defeat to Coventry City and a 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa.
United Front at Training Ground
Chronicle Live understands that the club has presented a united front this week, with Jaissle, his staff, players, and decision-makers all aligned with his vision despite criticism of his system and tactical approach. Solis's attendance underlined that solidarity, and the PIF will be watching to see if Jaissle can handle the scrutiny of managing Newcastle in the Premier League.
“That's the good part, that they're aligned with us in the coaching team,” Jaissle said when asked about consulting his players. “I mentioned that before, we're sitting all in the same boat, we're transparent, that's my leadership style. Not only talking, I think leadership is also me listening.”
Jaissle's Response to Setbacks
Jaissle acknowledged that the job has been tougher than anticipated, citing the late start to the season and the club's ambitious journey. “We are going to have setbacks. This is something you have to calculate,” he said. “We had a great start, everything was driving in the right direction and now we have a setback. But that makes you stronger, it makes the players stronger.”
He also emphasized the need for emotional balance, a message he first delivered during pre-season in La Manga. “I said in La Manga in the pre-season that we must always try to be emotionally balanced. That's important when you have a lot of emotion outside, surrounding you,” he added.
Looking Ahead to Crystal Palace
Newcastle have lost their last two away games 4-1, and Jaissle knows he cannot let that become a psychological barrier ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park, followed by a Carabao Cup match at Everton on Thursday. “First of all the chance is, usually, if you play better, if you perform better, it leads to a better result. This is the first step,” he told Chronicle Live.
The return of captain Dan Burn and vice-captain Joelinton should help, though Jaissle noted it may take “at least a couple of weeks” for them to be fully fit. “That helps,” he said. “When I am talking to colleagues of mine in this league they also rely on leaders on the pitch. Extended arms who can deliver the match plan on to the pitch.”
