Matthias Jaissle urges Newcastle United to keep momentum as Lewis Hall targets ‘big things’

Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle has called on his side to maintain their unbeaten beginning to the season when they travel to Leeds on Monday.

Jaissle has overseen an encouraging opening since taking charge during the European summer, with Newcastle avoiding defeat in their first five matches in all competitions. Their most recent result was a 1-0 Carabao Cup win against Millwall, secured by Joe Willock’s 81st-minute goal.

The visit to Leeds is expected to provide a tougher test, but Jaissle wants his players to approach the fixture positively while recognising the demands of the Premier League.

“We are happy for the start we had, definitely it’s not normal after being just such a short amount of time together, but Premier League is Premier League,” Jaissle said.

“We face every matchday top opponents. Now against Leeds it will be tough, away match against a strong one.

“We want to continue the journey, of course, be ambitious like I’ve said many times, but also we are realistic.”

The Newcastle boss has also praised Lewis Hall, who has become an increasingly important member of his team after attracting interest from other clubs during the summer.

Hall has since agreed a new long-term contract with Newcastle. Manchester United were among the clubs reported to have been interested in the England international.

Jaissle believes the left-back has significant potential to improve further and has been impressed by his contribution since the start of the campaign.

“Without speaking about his contract, I can just say that I’m in love with what I’ve seen so far from him,” he said.

“It’s an amazing player with huge potential still, and this makes me so happy to, hopefully, have him here for the next years in the long term.

“He’s fitting so good to this identity, how we want to play football, and again, he’s doing an excellent job.”

Hall said extending his Newcastle career was a source of great pride and stressed the importance of representing both the club and its supporters.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a really proud moment,” he said.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this club and to represent the supporters. I know how much it means to them.”

The defender added that his family’s connection with Newcastle had made the decision particularly significant.

“I obviously have a family connection with the club, which is incredibly important to us all,” he said.

“One of the main reasons I play is to make my family proud, and I know how much it means to them to watch me playing for Newcastle United.”

Hall also believes Newcastle’s start under Jaissle and his coaching staff provides a platform for further progress.

“It’s really pleasing with how we’ve started the season, especially with the new gaffer and coaching staff coming in, and I think we can go on to achieve really big things,” he said.