Matthias Jaissle on transfers, Ross Wilson and Nick Woltemade from SJP presser
With the window still open and the squad looking a little light in places, transfers were always going to dominate Matthias Jaissle's unveiling.
The new head coach didn't give too much away, but he said enough to tell us where his head is at. To the surprise of no one, journalists were quick to ask questions about the transfer stories.
Jaissle knows where we must strengthen
We all know the club is in need of a number of players still. Full backs, midfielders (ideally a leader) and some added creativity in attack.
Jaissle was asked many times about additional signings, and made it clear that we're in the market to bolster several positions, without giving too much away on a day we've seen strong links to Benfica's Amar Dedic.
“We are totally aware in the club internally which positions we need to strengthen the squad, but this is nothing for the press conference.
"In Valencia, you were really happy the young lads got the chance, which is also the approach from this club.
"Every minute they get, they can grow. But there will be adjustments in the squad while we have the chance.”
The last line was key for the story: “there will be adjustments in the squad.” Patience was another thing Jaissle was keen to mention, and it will be something worth remembering as the window draws to a close.
We may also have seen Jaissle give the biggest clue about how “hands on” or “hands off” he is on transfers.
"It is a job for Ross and the management to find their solutions, and we are all really optimistic.
"We have time. I am here for 36 hours in Newcastle and a bit of time in La Manga to get the lads better. Keep the optimism."
We know Howe was very involved, but it looks like Jaissle might be more in the back seat on matters. In fairness, that’s probably how it should be. Here are the types of players I want; the club provides a list, Jaissle says “ok, these five” and the club gets to work. We’re sure Jaissle is heavily involved still; he just isn’t the one making the calls.
One player who did get a specific mention was Nick Woltemade, and Jaissle sounds like he's already made the striker a personal project. Rather than dwell on a rough patch, the message was all about wiping the slate clean.
"I saw he had a difficult period, and from the first day we talked a lot.
"He should leave the past behind, and we should only look forward and look to improve."
Patience and optimism
These are the clear messages that we got from Jaissle in his unveiling press conference. Clearly, he wants to make changes, but he also knows what he has in the squad. We have just over three weeks before the window shuts. That’s both plenty of time and not enough time.
Jaissle made it clear that he wanted time to look at the squad. This could be why things have slowed down a little, but with links to Hojbjerg already, it does look like things are moving in the background at the very least.
