Eddie Howe is set to leave Newcastle United just weeks before the start of the Premier League season, with Matthias Jaissle lined up as his replacement. Howe informed his backroom staff after a 4-1 pre-season loss to Bristol City on Wednesday night that he wanted to leave, according to the club.
Jaissle's Background and Immediate Task
Jaissle, currently head coach of Al-Ahli, previously managed FC Liefering and RB Salzburg before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023. He faces the challenge of succeeding Howe, who led Newcastle to a 12th-place finish last season after significant player departures including Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali, with Bruno Guimaraes also linked to a move.
Writers' Expectations
Lee Ryder expects Jaissle to win something in his first couple of seasons or reach the Champions League to equal Howe's achievements, but notes a confidence issue after recent losses. Sean McCormick highlights the difficulty of succeeding Howe while picking up the pieces of a squad reset, losing key players and needing to balance young signings with experience.
Amie Wilson calls the timing a major shock, with Jaissle having just over three weeks before the season opener against Liverpool. She warns that if Guimaraes is sold and not replaced, a mid-table finish might be the best hope. Matty Hewitt views the appointment as exciting, given Jaissle's reputation for developing young talent, but stresses that a return to European football should be the main aim.
Mark Wakefield says Jaissle's first task is to bring stability, and that a top-10 finish would be a success given the circumstances. Aaron Morris is cautious, noting the risk of hiring a manager without Premier League experience, and fears a relegation battle if Guimaraes leaves. Kieran Horn argues that a mid-table finish should be the aim, with avoiding a relegation scrap as the first priority.
