Matthias Jaissle’s key messages from Q&A event on Wednesday night
Matthias Jaissle has given his assessment of Newcastle United’s start to the 2026/27 season, with the new head coach pleased by what he has seen despite a difficult opening period.
The German highlighted the team’s spirit and commitment, while also admitting there is plenty of room for improvement as his ideas continue to take shape at St James’ Park.
Jaissle happy with Newcastle’s start
Speaking at a special Q&A event for Mags members and season ticket holders, Jaissle pointed to eight points in the Premier League, two League Cup wins and just one league defeat from five matches as a positive start, particularly given the late arrival of his coaching staff and the number of injuries Newcastle have suffered.
He was particularly pleased with the team’s mentality and their ability to overcome challenges both on and off the pitch.
The 38-year-old also believes the DNA of his style was visible very early on, pointing to Anthony Elanga’s quick breakaway goal against Liverpool as an example of what he wants his Newcastle side to become.
However, the head coach knows there is still plenty to improve, with our poor first half against Bournemouth and battering at Leeds reminders of our shortcomings.
“I think we're really pleased with the start. We're happy so far, especially considering all the circumstances.
“We joined as a coaching staff the club really late in the transfer window in summer, so we didn't have so much time to work with the players in the preseason in the end.
“Now just remember the Hull match. We had many, many injuries where we suffered with, so this transition period among with the injured players was giving us a hard time and big challenges. But we survived that quite good.
“We overcame these challenges and therefore I always say like the overall picture is great. It was a good start but still with potential to improve.”
More dominance and chances needed
Jaissle admitted Newcastle need to become more proactive and dominant, particularly when they have possession.
The German wants his team to create more chances from their periods of control, although he was quick to point out that improvements may come as the season progresses, with this a newly formed side still adjusting after a summer of change.
He also acknowledged that a young squad will naturally experience ups and downs, using the heavy defeat at Leeds as an example of a “bump in the road” before the side responded with victory over Hull.
Jaissle stressed the importance of patience and support, urging everyone around the club to encourage the players rather than “smashing them if they make a mistake”.
“I mentioned that in one of the first press conferences already that we need to be patient with them..
“You can see that already some youngsters they show maybe not the best match against Leeds.
“But a couple of days later against Hull, they were shining again. And this is what I mean. Being patient, being supportive. Encourage them. Also don't smash them if they make a mistake.“
With nine first-team players unavailable for the Hull game, the boss feels the international break has given several injured players valuable time to recover without the immediate pressure of another fixture, although injuries and international fixtures have left him light on the training field. Jaissle did, however, highlight the importance of getting vice-captain Joelinton and captain Dan Burn back into the squad.
There is clearly still plenty of work to do, but Jaissle believes the foundations are there, and he sounded hopeful of seeing Newcastle take another step forward when competitive action resumes at Coventry a week on Monday.
