Matthias Jaissle reacts - Key quotes on Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool, Wissa and "special" SJP

Matthias Jaissle's Newcastle almost made the dream start to the 2026/27 season, only to drop two points at the death.

After going ahead on two occasions, first through Anthony Elanga and again via Joe Willock's second-half stunner, a 96th-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai saw it end 2-2 after Lewis Hall brought down Daniel Munoz.

A heartbreaking end to a pulsating game, but there are so many positives to take from St James' Park, where a new era under Matthias Jaissle started with so much to build on.

Jaissle the point, performance and soft penalty 

Jaissle was left with "mixed feelings" after the match, feeling proud of the performance but let down by a late penalty he believes was "really soft."

However, he believes this display will give us confidence heading to Spurs on Saturday, feeling this is a "really good base to build from" moving forward.

“It was a game of mixed feelings, especially the end when you get a decision that takes two points away, it’s hard to digest. 

"But there’s also a lot of confidence and, somehow, we’re really proud of what we see in the full 90 minutes. The young lads did an amazing job with all the challenges in this transition period.

"I am not tired of mentioning that, because this was special. Already delivering on a high level. This makes us proud.

"There was a lot of what we want to see, and we’re really proud after a short amount of time, to see the lads as a unit on the pitch, really committed to what they are doing. It is a really good base to build on.”

On the penalty decision that ultimately cost Newcastle two points, he added:

“I have clear thoughts. For me, it is a really soft penalty. If you give this as a penalty, then you need to give a lot during this match and a lot during the season, and I do not know if this is good for football.”

 

Jaissle hails Wissa, Toon squad and Keegan tribute

Yoane Wissa played like a man possessed, running himself into the ground and showing some razor-sharp touches in both No.10 and No.9 roles.

Jaissle was clearly impressed by the DR Congo captain, even if he was gutted to see the striker spurn out big chance to go 3-1 up with 86 on the clock.

“Amazing performance from Yoane Wissa - even though he could have killed the game (to make it 3-1).

"But this is football. When I talk about Wissa, it's not just about if he scores or assists, it's how committed he is, how he works for his teammates.

"Him and many other lads I could mention. This (working hard) is still basic and should be the fundamental for Newcastle United. We need this synergy between players and fans, then something special can happen on the pitch."

Adding to this, Jaissle was keen to praise the attitude and commitment of the entire group, who pulled together superbly in a strong collective display.

“Amazing, amazing. Good lads, really good group. Fully committed and this is the only way with the challenges we have. 

"We really entered late in pre-season, we have a big transition period right now. It is a brave journey and starting like that I am really happy.”

Last but certainly not least, the boss not only hailed the "special" atmosphere inside St James' Park, but the pre-match tribute for "pure legend" Kevin Keegan.

"Special emotions. Not only because of my first match, but because it was an amazing atmosphere. 

"We paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, a pure legend. He's the reason the club is here now. The evening was almost perfect."