Matthias Jaissle’s first Newcastle United week draws praise from Chris Waugh

Matthias Jaissle has made a positive early impression during his first week as Newcastle United manager, according to English journalist Chris Waugh.

The German coach arrived in Newcastle on Saturday, before the club formally announced his appointment on Wednesday. He has taken over from former manager Eddie Howe, who left after guiding Newcastle United to the English League Cup and two qualifications for the Champions League.

Waugh, who covers Newcastle United, said there had already been widespread admiration for what Jaissle had shown during his opening days at the club.

Speaking to Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, Waugh said: “Eddie Howe left Newcastle after leading them to win the English League Cup and qualify for the Champions League twice, before he decided to leave after losing some players.”

Jaissle’s appointment was confirmed on Wednesday evening and he began overseeing the team towards the end of the week. Waugh believes the 37-year-old has quickly created a favourable impression among those at Newcastle United.

He added: “The appointment of Jaissle was announced on Wednesday evening, and he began leading the team from the end of the week. He has left a positive impression during that period.”

The journalist also pointed to what he described as a fresh atmosphere around the club under the new manager.

“There is an injection of new blood at the club, and that is what distinguishes the Jaissle era,” Waugh said. “There is renewed energy for Newcastle to return to the ranks of the biggest clubs, by playing in a style based on attacking football and high pressing.”

Waugh cautioned that it remains too early to assess whether Jaissle will ultimately succeed, but said the mood surrounding his arrival was encouraging.

“There is a positive atmosphere and good impressions of the new manager so far, and we will see over the coming weeks and months whether he will achieve success,” he said.

Jaissle’s move to Newcastle United follows a three-year spell at Al Ahli, where he enjoyed what was described as a historic period in charge.

During his time with the Saudi club, he led Al Ahli to two AFC Champions League Elite titles and also guided them to the Saudi Super Cup. That success ended a nine-year wait for the club to win the competition.

The German’s Newcastle United tenure therefore begins after a notable period in Saudi Arabia, while the club enters a new phase following Howe’s departure. The early reaction to Jaissle has been positive, but his ability to establish the attacking and high-pressing approach highlighted by Waugh will be judged over the weeks and months ahead.