Matthias Jaissle has made a positive early impression at Newcastle United after his first week as the club’s new head coach, according to journalist Chris Waugh.
The German arrived in Newcastle on Saturday, before the club formally confirmed his appointment on the following Wednesday. He has succeeded former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who left after guiding the club to the English League Cup and two qualifications for the UEFA Champions League.
Waugh, who closely follows Newcastle United, said there had been an encouraging response to Jaissle’s opening days at the club.
Speaking to Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, Waugh said: “Eddie Howe left Newcastle after leading them to victory in the English League Cup and qualification for the Champions League twice, before deciding to leave after losing some players.”
Newcastle announced Jaissle’s appointment on Wednesday evening, and he began overseeing the team towards the end of the week. Waugh said the new manager had already created a favourable impression during that short period.
“Jaissle was announced as the new manager on Wednesday evening and began leading the team from the end of the week, and he has left a positive impression during that time,” Waugh said.
He added that the change in management had brought a sense of renewal to the club, with Jaissle expected to introduce an attacking approach built around intense pressing.
“There is an injection of new blood at the club, and that is what defines the Jaissle era,” Waugh said. “There is renewed energy for Newcastle to return to the ranks of the biggest clubs, by playing in a style based on attack and high pressing.”
Waugh also stressed that it remained too early to judge whether Jaissle would ultimately succeed at St James’ Park.
“There is a positive atmosphere and good impressions of the new manager so far, and we will see in the coming weeks and months whether he will be successful,” he said.
Jaissle takes charge of Newcastle after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, where he spent three years. His time there was described as historic, with the German guiding the club to two AFC Champions League Elite titles.
He also led Al Ahli to the Saudi Super Cup, ending the club’s nine-year wait for that trophy.
His arrival at Newcastle therefore marks the beginning of a new chapter after a successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The early signs have been encouraging, according to Waugh, although Jaissle’s ability to restore Newcastle to the top level of English football will be assessed over the duration of the season and beyond.
