Newcastle United’s decision to replace Eddie Howe with Matthias Jaissle represented one of the biggest gambles of its dramatic summer, handing a major rebuild to a 38-year-old without previous managerial experience in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has now detailed why Newcastle’s hierarchy settled on Jaissle, with sporting director Ross Wilson revealing that the German was the club’s No. 1 choice and had already featured prominently in its succession planning.
“We knew which
direction we were going to go,” Wilson said. “That does not mean we were always going (with) Matthias, but he was always part of our planning.”
Newcastle spoke with other coaches following Howe’s departure, but Wilson confirmed Jaissle headed the shortlist if a deal could be completed.
“No (he wasn’t the only coach we spoke to), but he was the No 1 choice,” Wilson said. “If Matthias was transactable, he was someone who would be really interesting to us.”
Jaissle then made an immediate impression during the interview process. Wilson recalled Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson noticing his enthusiasm following one conversation.
“When I was on the phone, he (Hopkinson) said, ‘You sound really excited about this one’,” Wilson said. “I said, ‘You’re probably right’.”
Newcastle had determined that Howe’s departure would not lead to a change in the aggressive philosophy it wanted on the field. Wilson instructed those identifying candidates to double down on the high-pressing, front-foot principles already associated with Newcastle.
“I cannot imagine, in the short term, Newcastle playing a style that isn’t aggressive, vertical and attacking,” Wilson said. “For this club to be successful, (I feel) we had to find a coach to do that for us.”
Newcastle also intends to give Jaissle time to develop alongside its young squad. Wilson revealed the head coach has not been given a specific target for his first season and stressed the importance of supporting him rather than making immediate judgments.
“We want Newcastle to be a club with anticipation and excitement, but we have to manage that and be balanced,” Wilson said.
Asked whether Jaissle can remain in charge through the culmination of Newcastle’s much-discussed Vision 2030, Wilson was equally clear. “I hope so,” Wilson said. “If he is, that’s us all doing well.”
Has Jaissle’s start convinced you Newcastle made the right choice to succeed Howe, or is it still too early to judge such a major gamble? Let us know in the comments section below.
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