Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa has declared 'new manager, new Yoane Wissa' after a superb substitute performance in the 2-1 win at Valencia, where he scored both goals.
The 29-year-old's first season at St James' Park was blighted by a knee injury suffered on international duty with DR Congo days after his £55million deadline-day move from Brentford. He did not make his debut until December and struggled for fitness and sharpness for much of the campaign.
World Cup confidence
Wissa scored two goals for DR Congo at the World Cup, which he says has helped him rediscover his form. He is now hoping to impress new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
"After a tough season for me, physically and mentally, the World Cup - especially playing with my national team - has been good," Wissa told the club's media team. "So now new manager, new Yoane Wissa. That's what I hope. I'm going to help the team achieve something great this season."
Pre-season importance
Wissa's fitness stats since returning from the World Cup have been 'off the chart', according to the club's backroom staff. He admits this pre-season is crucial after missing training last year due to his injury and his move from Brentford.
"Of course it's really important," he said. "First, the body needs that, you need to run hard and feel sharp, and also find the teammates and create something. So I didn't have that last season and of course when you come and just arrive, a big injury like this is really tough. But the past is the past, so I'm just looking forward now to this season."
