Matthias Jaissle’s best 10 answers from Q&A with Newcastle fans

Matthias Jaissle took part in a special fan Q&A earlier this week, giving Newcastle United supporters an insight into his footballing ideas, his life on Tyneside, his thoughts on the squad and much more. 

From naming the two Newcastle legends he would love to have played for him to revealing the player who has surprised him most, there were plenty of interesting answers.

1. Which two Newcastle legends would he have in his team?

No hesitation from Jaissle when asked which two retired Newcastle players he would like to have in his team — Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan.

2. Which player has surprised him most?

Jaissle generally avoided singling players out, but he did highlight Sean Steur, praising his maturity and confidence on the pitch at just 18 years old.

He described the 18-year-old Dutchman as an example of Newcastle’s “brave way”.

3. What does he want from opposition analysis?

Jaissle revealed that his coaching staff watch extensive footage of upcoming opponents, but the players aren’t expected to sit through hours and hours of analysis.

Instead, the staff condense everything into efficient summaries and highlight the key elements the players need to know.

4. What is his favourite part of training?

For Jaissle, it is when the performance coaches finish the warm-up and his coaching staff can properly get to work with the players.

That is when they can fully engage with the squad and implement their principles and exercises.

5. His favourite Geordie saying?

There was only really one answer he could give to this one. “Howay the lads!”

6. What would a successful first season look like?

Jaissle wasn’t prepared to make predictions about where Newcastle will finish or what they will achieve by May.

Instead, he said that if there is patience, belief and commitment from everyone, then there will be development and improvement — and that will make it a successful journey.

7. Which player has he coached who stands out most?

When asked about the best player he has played with or coached, Jaissle named Roberto Firmino, who he worked with in Saudi Arabia. 

8. Who was the toughest opponent he faced?

The former Hoffenheim man picked German legend Miroslav Klose when asked about the toughest opponent he had come up against during his playing career.

9. What would he have done if he hadn’t gone into football management?

Jaissle said he would probably have pursued a career as a sporting director or an agent if football management hadn’t worked out.

10. What does he enjoy doing away from football?

Free time is limited for the Newcastle boss, but Jaissle said he enjoys being at his new apartment and hopes to explore more of Newcastle’s restaurants and cafes.

He also described Tynemouth beach as beautiful, while revealing that he enjoys playing padel tennis when his knee allows.

A fascinating insight into the new Newcastle boss

There was plenty more to take from the Q&A, including Jaissle explaining how he learned English during his time in Denmark, his upbringing in southern Germany and his coaching journey from youth football through to Salzburg and Saudi Arabia.

He also spoke warmly about the atmosphere at St James’ Park, describing matchdays, particularly the Liverpool game, as “spectacular” and “special”.

For a manager who has only recently arrived on Tyneside, it was a great opportunity for supporters to get a little more insight into the man now leading Newcastle into a new era.