Newcastle United travel to Millwall for a Carabao Cup third-round tie on Tuesday night, a fixture that will see the club's supporters experience the infamous 'Monk Chant' at The Den for the first time in a generation. Manager Matthias Jaissle joked he will be protected by his technical area as he prepares to step into the Lions' Den.
The chant, a loud and continuous drone of 'Merrr-warr', makes The Den a unique experience for travelling fans. When asked if Millwall's partisan support compared to anything in his playing or managerial career, Jaissle refused to draw any comparisons, though he acknowledged the club's reputation as one of the toughest away days for managers and players.
Jaissle Unfazed by Hostile Atmosphere
Jaissle said: "Yes, I am aware of it. No (it doesn't worry me). I am protected in my box! I don't want to compare as I don't know that crowd too good. I will be careful of making comparisons. I like to be on the touchline here at St James' Park. We have the full crowd behind us."
He added: "It will be a bit of a special atmosphere down there, I'm aware of that, but it doesn't influence my coaching and it should not influence the players. We need to focus on what we can influence on the pitch, and if we do our job, we come a long way."
A place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup is the prize for Jaissle's side if they can overcome the Lions. Jaissle had scouts in place as Millwall thrashed Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, and the hosts will be no pushovers for Newcastle.
Selection Dilemmas and Goalkeeper Situation
The match leaves Jaissle with a big call to make after naming a near full-strength side against West Brom in the last round. He could do similar or rest and rotate in round three, with Premier League games now coming thick and fast. On the other hand, there is a three-week international break in the second half of September, while Newcastle do not have the added European exertions this term.
Jaissle said: "There's always a fine line to make these decisions. I think it will be smart to wait now and see how the lads respond physically and mentally - we have a couple of days to make that decision. We are aware of the schedule and what then comes afterwards, but the physicality, already from the lads, is getting better and better."
The biggest call for Jaissle will be in goal, with back-up stopper Ewen Jaouen nursing an ankle injury and Nick Pope named as substitute against Bournemouth. Pope has not played for Newcastle since the 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City in July but could feature this week if Lukas Hornicek is rested.
Jaissle said: "We need to see. Ewen twisted his ankle yesterday, we still have a couple of days left to make the final decision who will be in goal."
