Matthias Jaissle on Leeds clash and Newcastle's "huge advantage"

Matthias Jaissle has made an impressive start to life on Tyneside, both on and off the pitch.

On the field, we're five games unbeaten in all competitions and have seen some of last season's flops show real signs of improvement. Off the field, he's spoken so well and handled the media impressively, also creating a real sense of unity within the group.

Tonight, we travel to Leeds in what could be our toughest test yet after a solid start to the 2026/27 season.

Jaissle: We must match Leeds emotionally  

Speaking to the press ahead of tonight's 8pm clash, Matthias Jaissle urged his players to 'match Leeds emotionally' if we wish to leave with a good result.

It will be a big atmosphere at Elland Road, where Daniel Farke's Leeds will be looking to maintain their own unbeaten start after a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest was followed by 1-1 draws against Brentford and Brighton.

A win could send either side as high as third in the Premier League, and Jaissle is expecting a tough test and crazy atmosphere:

"It will be special. I've heard many things. We need to be aware of it like we were at the Den. 

"It was also a crazy atmosphere and it will be the same at Leeds. But if you face that and match that emotionally - and we have the support as well - then we can have a good result.

"We acknowledge that(unbeaten start) and like I mentioned already, they're a top team and he's doing an excellent job. 

"We've seen that, even yesterday in the cup. Even though they rotated (in 6-3 defeat at Chelsea), you saw especially in the first half what they're able to do and how they can challenge every opponent."

Newcastle's "huge advantage" 

Jaissle also hailed his squad's ability to adapt to the demands he and his coaching staff have placed on them.

Considering the lack of training time, the boss believes it gives us a "huge advantage" to have a group so open-minded and committed to new ideas, with the squad quickly adapting to new voices, a change in formation and style of play. 

"We didn’t have so much training time together, a lot of games. 

"I am impressed how fast the players have adapted to us, how open-minded they are and how committed they are. 

"Huge advantage if you have these fundamentals in place already."

A tough test awaits as we bid to maintain our unbeaten run and potentially move up to third with a win. Howay the lads!