New Newcastle boss Jaissle fears referee reaction to emotional touchline style
Matthias Jaissle has admitted he is a bit scared about how Premier League referees will handle his intense touchline demeanor as he takes charge of Newcastle United.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle admits to having an emotional touchline style.
- Close acquaintances compare his contrasting personality on and off the field to Jekyll and Hyde.
- He faces his first Premier League test against Liverpool at St James' Park on 23 August.
- Jaissle acknowledges the vacuum left by key player departures over the summer.
Matthias Jaissle cut a measured figure wearing a black suit and grey shirt during his first extended news conference since taking over at Newcastle United earlier this month. However, opposing managers in the Premier League are bound to encounter a completely different persona inside the technical area.
Those who know the 38-year-old coach best even go as far as comparing the stark contrast between his behavior off the pitch and his touchline antics to Jekyll and Hyde.
"On the touchline, I am emotional, but I need to respect the box a bit more. I'm a bit scared. I hope in the beginning the referees can maybe close their eyes here and there a little. I need to learn that."
Matthias Jaissle
Jaissle candidly confessed that his intense fervour requires him to learn how to respect the technical area boundaries better. Having managed with a long touchline during his spell in Saudi Arabia, he joked that his GPS tracking data would be exceptionally high if he wore one, while expressing hope that referees will cut him some slack initially.
Matthias Jaissle's appointment marks a pivotal transition phase for Newcastle United following the departure of Eddie Howe last month. Howe achieved historic milestones by winning the EFL Cup in 2025 and securing Champions League qualification twice, but the fortress at St James' Park saw a dip in form as the team finished 12th last season. Jaissle inherits a squad needing both tactical rejuvenation and restored synergy with the home supporters, a task complicated by a lack of prior Premier League management experience.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This fierce competitive drive has defined Jaissle since his playing days, which were cut short by a serious knee injury at the age of just 25. Former Hoffenheim team-mate Chinedu Obasi noted that this intense desire to succeed has remained a constant throughout his career.
Restoring St James' Park as a difficult venue for opponents is high on the agenda for Jaissle and his staff, who aim to implement an intense, vertical, and aggressive playing style that resonates with the club's supporters.
Time is of the essence as Jaissle prepares for his debut match against Liverpool on Tyneside on 23 August. With zero prior Premier League experience, alongside the summer departures of key players Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes which left a noticeable vacuum, the new manager emphasizes that building a clear strategic vision with the board will take time.
Source: BBC Sport
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