Matthias Jaissle is set to take over the reins at Newcastle United after Eddie Howe’s departure, yet many fans may not be familiar with his résumé. Until now his head‑coaching experience has been limited to stints in Austria and Saudi Arabia, which raises the question: who exactly is the man about to lead the Magpies at St James’ Park?
Born in Germany in 1985, Jaissle spent his playing days as a midfielder for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim before hanging up his boots and turning to coaching. His early managerial journey took him to Denmark and later to the Red Bull Salzburg academy, where he honed his tactical philosophy under the umbrella of the Red Bull football network. His first senior appointment came with FC Liefering, the feeder club for Salzburg, where he proved his ability to develop young talent and implement a high‑pressing style of play. In the summer of 2021 Jaissle was promoted to the senior role at Red Bull Salzburg, a club that has become synonymous with energetic, attacking football and a relentless pressing game.
In his debut season he guided Salzburg to a domestic double, securing both the Austrian Bundesliga title and the Austrian Cup, and he repeated the league triumph the following year. During his tenure he worked closely with rising stars such as Karim Adeyemi and Benjamin Sesko, and he also led the team into the UEFA Champions League, gaining valuable experience against Europe’s elite. After two successful campaigns in Austria, Jaissle accepted a new challenge in the Middle East, moving to Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League in 2023. While in Saudi Arabia he added the Saudi Super Cup to his list of honours, winning the trophy in a dramatic final held in Hong Kong.
His time in the Gulf exposed him to a multicultural dressing room, with players from a wide array of nationalities, and forced him to adapt his methods to different cultural contexts. Newcastle’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, has praised Jaissle as a "rock star" and emphasized that the German coach arrived at the club with a clear sense of purpose.
In an interview with The Athletic, Hopkinson explained that Jaissle was not simply looking for any job; he was employed, successful, and selective about his next move. "We share a conviction about what this club can become," Hopkinson said.
"His leadership, passion and ideas will resonate with the fans. Eddie leaves big shoes to fill, but I am convinced MJ is the right man to build on Eddie’s legacy and take us forward. He is impressive, he is fire, he is a rock star." Jaissle’s footballing education is firmly rooted in the Red Bull school of thought, which prioritises high‑intensity pressing, quick transitions and a forward‑focused mindset. However, his Salzburg side also demonstrated a capacity to dominate possession, showing that he does not want to be pigeon‑holed into a single style.
He has repeatedly stressed the importance of continual evolution: "You have to develop your game, you have to always make progress," he told Sky Sports. Jaissle is not shy about borrowing ideas from the world’s best coaches, noting that successful principles can be adapted rather than copied outright. Tactically, Jaissle’s preferred formations have shifted over time. At Salzburg he often employed a narrow 4‑4‑2, with wingers tucking inside—a system popularised by Ralf Rangnick across Red Bull clubs.
In Saudi Arabia he experimented with a 4‑2‑3‑1 that could morph into a 3‑2‑5 or even a 2‑3‑5 shape, mirroring the fluidity seen in the Premier League. He argues that formations are merely a vehicle for a deeper philosophy: "It is not about formations that much.
It is more how you want to play, how you want to attack, how you want to defend. If the players understand that, you become tactically flexible and the exact shape matters less." This emphasis on tactical literacy places greater demands on modern players.
Jaissle observes that today’s footballers are increasingly involved in the strategic side of the game: "Every coach and every club works with principles, so every player has to know a lot of things, tactically, in each phase of the game. I think that’s a big change." He also anticipates that the Premier League will continue to grow more physical and dynamic, with a heightened focus on set‑pieces and versatile, "all‑round" players who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Jaissle’s vision for the goalkeeper role reflects his holistic approach.
He no longer sees the goalkeeper as an isolated position but as an integral part of the team’s build‑up play. A modern keeper, in his view, must understand all phases of the game and be comfortable participating in possession, effectively acting as an additional outfield player when the team is in attack. Managing a multicultural squad is another area where Jaissle feels confident. At Salzburg, the roster featured players from double‑digit nationalities, forcing him to develop communication strategies that transcended language barriers.
He believes that strong personal connections are the foundation of effective leadership. "Communication and the connection with the players is always the base for leadership and being a good coach," he told Sky Sports.
"I would always prioritise one‑on‑ones and face‑to‑face conversation." Nevertheless, he warns against information overload. While a manager may possess extensive tactical knowledge, he must filter what is shared with the players to avoid overwhelming them.
"You have to take care not to give everything to the players," Jaissle cautioned. "You need to protect them from too much information and focus on the essentials that they can apply on the pitch." Looking ahead, Jaissle predicts that football will increasingly value players who can adapt to multiple roles. Defenders will be expected to join the attack, forwards will contribute defensively, and the lines between traditional positions will blur. This flexibility, he argues, makes it easier for a manager to adjust tactics mid‑game without needing wholesale substitutions.
For Newcastle supporters, Jaissle’s arrival promises a blend of the Red Bull high‑pressing ethos, a willingness to evolve tactically, and an emphasis on personal rapport with the squad. His track record of winning titles in Austria and a cup in Saudi Arabia suggests he can deliver results, while his openness to learning from the broader football world indicates he will not be rigid in his methods.
As the Magpies prepare for a new era, fans can expect a coach who values intensity, adaptability, and clear communication—a true "rock star" ready to write the next chapter in Newcastle United’s history.