Jaissle reveals Nico Gonzalez boost and sends Sandro Tonali message before Spurs
Thursday-night press conferences. Another small change in the post-Howe era.
Matthias Jaissle held his Tottenham briefing at 6.30pm on Thursday, rather than the Friday-morning slot we became used to under Eddie Howe. It came less than 24 hours after Wednesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over West Brom, but the important update was on Nico Gonzalez.
The new signing has trained with his teammates and could make his Newcastle debut during Saturday’s 5.30pm trip to Tottenham.
“Nico has trained with us, he looks sharp. He is an option for Saturday.
“He is a smart guy, with huge potential. He has a lot of qualities. He will adapt fast into our squad.”
Nico is available, but there will be no change of plan
Jaissle gave no indication whether our new number six is being considered for a start or a place on the bench. The only confirmed point is that, just days after completing his move from Manchester City, the 24-year-old is in contention.
That is a timely boost for a midfield still being rebuilt, particularly against a Spurs side Jaissle described as a “top team”.
The German insists Newcastle will not suddenly retreat or abandon the football he is trying to introduce.
“We will not change our approach. We are facing a really strong opponent. With our playing style, we can cause any opponents problems.”
There were rough edges in the encouraging 2-2 draw with Liverpool and again against West Brom, but the identity is already visible. Newcastle have played with energy, attacked quickly and looked committed to Jaissle’s ideas.
He again warned that a young squad will have “ups and downs”, while saying the players’ commitment in training gives him something “special to build on”.
That feels like sensible expectation management rather than excuse-making. There will be mistakes, but the first two competitive performances have given Jaissle genuine encouragement.
Focus on our lads, not Tonali
Saturday also brings Newcastle’s first meeting with Sandro Tonali since his £100m move to Tottenham.
“It is always nice to face old team-mates, so there should at least be special motivation. That worked against Isak already, so hopefully it will work for us on Saturday.”
When asked whether he would encourage a hostile reception from the travelling Mags, Jaissle refused to stir it.
“I would love we have many, many supporters behind us in London.
“That’s the most important thing, focusing on our lads and bringing that energy on the pitch.”
Tonali left with an emotional goodbye to Newcastle, in very different circumstances to Isak. There may still be a few boos because football fans are football fans, but the useful noise is the kind that helps Newcastle.
Jaissle has spent his opening weeks talking about the connection between supporters and players. He felt it at St James’ Park against Liverpool and West Brom. Now he wants the away end to bring it to London.
