Matthias Jaissle Embraces PIF Vision at Newcastle United
Matthias Jaissle sat downstairs talking about dreams. Upstairs, Newcastle United’s transfer team were scrambling to make them real.
The new head coach, barely a week and a half into the job, has already been given a clear message from owners PIF: Newcastle are not here to stand still. With the Premier League opener against Liverpool looming on August 23, the clock is already ticking loudly on Tyneside.
Jaissle buys into PIF vision
Jaissle, unveiled at St James’ Park earlier this summer as Eddie Howe’s successor, did not hide why he signed up.
“That we are ambitious? That's the most important thing, that's why I decided to come here,” he said, reflecting on talks with PIF, who spent last week with him at the club’s La Manga training camp.
He knows, though, that this is not a quick fix.
“This will not happen overnight, especially when you have such a big transition phase now,” he admitted. “Then you need to have a clear goal, a clear vision of where we want to go to, and that starts with the decision makers up in front, from the management, from the board.
“And then if you have that synergy with the fans, the staff, and the players, everyone is included to go there. Then I'm pretty sure it will be a successful story. But we need time now.”
Time, and signings.
Deals brewing above the press room
While Jaissle fielded questions, sporting director Ross Wilson was upstairs working on what could be the first major steps of the new era. Newcastle are in talks with Benfica over Amar Dedic, with insiders describing the defender as “an option” rather than a done deal at this stage. Discussions over an experienced central midfielder are also ongoing.
Newcastle’s squad still looks short. By some estimates, they need four more additions to seriously attack a top-six place next season. Jaissle did not dispute the urgency, but he chose his words carefully when asked how “busy” the club are in the market.
“I cannot interpret what is busy for you, probably it's different busy from what I think is busy,” he replied. “It's a job for Ross and the management to find solutions, to provide something.
“We are all optimistic. We have time. I am here for 36 hours in Newcastle, I had a bit of time in La Manga already to get the lads better. We work on it, that's all I can say here in the press conference. Keep the optimism.”
The message: the pressure is on, but the panic button stays untouched.
The call that changed everything
Jaissle has been in the building as head coach for around 10 days. The move came together quickly once it became clear Howe was on his way out.
“I received a call at the end of July, when it was clear that most likely Eddie would quit,” he revealed.
That call came from a club he already knew he wanted.
“Obviously if there's first of all a club original from Premier League, and then also a club like Newcastle with that special club history, that fan base, that DNA, which is so linked to the idea of how I want to play football.
“There was no doubt or question marks but [I had to] to listen and take that process further. For sure I had a big smile.”
A historic club, a fanbase that lives on the edge, and owners promising a bold future. Now comes the hard part: turning that smile, and that sales pitch, into a squad ready for Liverpool in 11 days’ time.
