Matthias Jaissle has warned Premier League managers they will encounter a very different figure on the touchline to the measured individual who faced the media at St James’ Park for the first time since taking charge of Newcastle United earlier this month.
Those who know Jaissle best liken the contrast between his on and off-field persona to Jekyll and Hyde, and the 38-year-old — who won back-to-back Asian Champions League titles at Al-Ahli — made clear that will not change. “I will not change my style because that’s my personality,” he said. “On the touchline, I am emotional, but I need to respect the box a bit more.”
Jaissle joked that he may need some early leniency from officials as he adjusts to the technical area restrictions in English football. “I’m a bit scared. I hope in the beginning the referees can maybe close their eyes here and there a little,” he said. “I had a long touchline in Saudi Arabia, so I think the GPS would be quite high if I had worn it!”
The former RB Salzburg manager’s playing career was cut short by a serious knee injury at the age of 25, but his drive has never wavered according to former Hoffenheim team-mate Chinedu Obasi. “Matthias has always been very hungry,” Obasi said. “He’s had that leadership style and been vocal and passionate about the game. He wanted to win.”
Making St James’ Park a difficult place for visiting sides is among Jaissle’s stated priorities after he and his staff were shown around the ground for the first time. “We were just looking at each other with a big smile, goosebumps,” he said. “Just really special.”
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
