Newcastle United supporters hoping for an immediate return to European contention under Matthias Jaissle have been warned that the club’s overhaul will require patience.
The Magpies finished 12th last season, and that only precluded the huge changes the team suffered this summer, including losing their three best players in Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon, veteran former captain Kieran Trippier, and long-time manager Eddie Howe.
The Magpies’ five incoming transfers to date, meanwhile,
have no Premier League experience, with four of them aged 20 or younger and the other one a 24-year-old goalie.
Speaking at his unveiling as Newcastle manager in St. James’ Park, Jaissle refused to promise European qualification and instead described Newcastle as being in a “transition phase,” according to the Daily Mail.
“We are ambitious. But it makes no sense to promise you anything, because I don’t know how things look in half a year or one year,” Jaissle said. “What we can control, we will control.”
The German head coach also acknowledged that Newcastle’s departures have created a significant leadership problem that must be addressed either through the remainder of the transfer window or internally.
“The players who have left were great characters, great players, experienced players. This is now a vacuum,” Jaissle said. “We have to adjust something in the squad by signing these profile of players, or other players need to step up and fill these positions and these leadership roles.”
Newcastle already attempted and failed to add experience by pursuing Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Covering the press conference, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reported that Jaissle still wants at least one full-back and an experienced midfielder, with another attacker potentially targeted.
Jaissle, nevertheless, urged supporters to retain some optimism regarding potential incoming business during the next few days.
“We are all really optimistic,” Jaissle said. “There will be adjustments in the squad; we still have time. Without telling you too much, we are aware of what we need in the squad.
“This will not happen overnight, especially when you have such a big transition phase now. But we need time now.”
What would represent a successful first season for Jaissle: Europe, a top-half finish, or simply rebuilding the squad and building a cohesive and solid team to compete in the future? Share your thoughts below.
