Matthias Jaissle has called for fans, club and players to ‘stick together’ in what’s he’s described as a ‘challenging’ moment for Newcastle United.
This summer has seen unprecedented change at St James’ Park with the loss of three key players, including the captain, and the manager. It has also seen the implementation of a new transfer strategy, too. This is key executives Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson’s first true summer in the role and transition is the order of the day both on and off the park, with the team largely looking unrecognisable from the one that only a year and a half or so ago lifted the Carabao Cup.
In that sense, Jaissle has not only walked in on a clean(ish) slate, but also with lots of work to do to get things right for when the real ball comes out.
And after watching his side labour in a 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Visit Malta Cup at St James’ Park, the head coach has called for unity at NUFC.
“I was so happy to see the atmosphere right now so I can’t even imagine what it will look like against Liverpool when the stadium is full and we get the whole support,” said Jaissle.
“That will be the message. We need to stick together. With these challenges now, this transitional moment, we need the fans together with the players and the staff.”
While it was a far from vintage watch for the 39k-plus crowd on Tyneside, it was not without some positives. The short-term may well be fraught with concern, it was etched on the face of Jaissle at times on the touchline, but there’s reason for some positive feeling about the longer term.
One of the players, among many used, who has stood up from the youth ranks this summer has been Mason Miley, younger sibling of England cap-bound Lewis.
While his path to the first-team may well take time to open up, the 17-year-old, who limped off with cramp, was a shining light v Leverkusen.
Jaissle was impressed: “This is the attitude we need. Really suffering until the tank is empty.”
The head coach does not like the line of questioning at the moment, but it’s fair game for all attending press conferences, especially at this time of year - transfers, transfers, transfers.
On the subject, he added: “It’s important that there will be something done in the transfer market. I think everyone is aligned on that.”
Inside NUFC expects Newcastle United to tie up at least three deals before the close of the window - one of which will be Amar Dedic, with a midfielder and forward also seen as a priority.