Matthias Jaissle has revealed the message he received from Newcastle United's owners PIF after agreeing to replace Eddie Howe earlier this summer. The incoming head coach spoke about the ambition that convinced him to take the job, while sporting director Ross Wilson works on two deals behind the scenes.
PIF's Ambition Message
Speaking at his unveiling, Jaissle was asked what PIF told him during their week together in La Manga. He said: "That we are ambitious? That's the most important thing, that's why I decided to come here."
He added: "But this will not happen overnight, especially when you have such a big transition phase now. Then you need to have a clear goal, a clear vision of where we want to go to, and that starts with the decision makers up in front, from the management, from the board. And then if you have that synergy with the fans, the staff, and the players, everyone is included to go there. Then I'm pretty sure it will be a successful story. But we need time now."
Two Deals in Progress
While Jaissle's unveiling took place, Wilson was in the offices above working on two deals. The Magpies are in talks with Benfica over the signing of Amar Dedic, described as 'an option' by insiders, while an experienced central midfielder is still being discussed. Newcastle hope to complete both before the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23.
Jaissle said: "I cannot interpret what is busy for you, probably it's different busy from what I think is busy. It's a job for Ross and the management to find solutions, to provide something. We are all optimistic. We have time. I am here for 36 hours in Newcastle, I had a bit of time in La Manga already to get the lads better. We work on it, that's all I can say here in the press conference. Keep the optimism."
Transition and Time
Jaissle has been in work for around 10 days and revealed when he knew he would become Howe's replacement. He said: "I received a call at the end of July, when it was clear that most likely Eddie would quit. Obviously if there's first of all a club original from Premier League, and then also a club like Newcastle with that special club history, that fan base, that DNA, which is so linked to the idea of how I want to play football. There was no doubt or question marks but [I had to] to listen and take that process further. For sure I had a big smile."
Newcastle arguably still need four more signings to mount a competitive challenge for the top six next season, with the transfer window remaining a crucial period for the club.
