Jaissle on pain which set him on path to Newcastle and speaking with Howe

Retold by Oddsrama · 20 August 2026

Matthias Jaissle has opened up about the knee injury that derailed his playing career at 25, describing it as the lowest point of his life—but also the moment that taught him to see adversity as opportunity. That mentality is precisely what Newcastle United need right now as their new manager steps into one of English football's most unpredictable hot seats. Having arrived just weeks before the season kicked off, Jaissle inherited a club gutted by departures: Eddie Howe stepped down, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon all left, and Alexander Isak pushed for a move to Liverpool. Most managers would be complaining. Jaissle isn't.

The former Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli boss has made six signings, all under 24, and freely admits more bodies are needed before the September 1st transfer deadline. But he's refusing to waste energy on excuses about Financial Fair Play rules or the club's constrained spending power. Instead, he's leaning into the chaos. "I like challenges," he said. "I try to see in all challenges the chance in it." That's a refreshing approach when pessimists are already writing Newcastle's obituary, tipping them for another mid-table slog after last season's 12th-place finish. For punters watching the odds, Jaissle's mindset could make a real difference—a manager who thrives under pressure tends to extract more from thin squads than one who buckles.

Jaissle has spoken warmly of Eddie Howe, describing him as "a great human being" and holding deep respect for what he delivered: an EFL Cup, multiple Champions League qualifications, and a clear identity. He's studied how Kevin Keegan built Newcastle into "The Entertainers" and wants his side to play that same aggressive, front-footed style. Newcastle's hierarchy has given him until 2030 to stabilize the ship—chief executive David Hopkinson is patient but ambitious. Jaissle believes his squad will respond, though he's honest that the young new arrivals need time to adjust to the Premier League's intensity. The immediate test comes against Liverpool on Sunday, a chance to make a statement. If he can channel the resilience that got him through career-ending injury into turning around this fractured squad, the goosebumps he's feeling might just translate into results.

Based on original reporting by BBC Football. Read the original at bbc.co.uk →

#Newcastle United#Matthias Jaissle#Premier League#Transfers

Jaissle on pain which set him on path to Newcastle and speaking with Howe

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