Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of German coach Matthias Jaissle as the club's new head manager following the departure of Eddie Howe. Jaissle has agreed to a four‑year contract and Newcastle have compensated Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia with a fee of roughly £9.5 million (about €11 million) to release him from his duties there.
The 38‑year‑old had guided Al Ahli to back‑to‑back Asian Champions League titles in the last two seasons, a record that helped raise his profile on the international stage. Jaissle arrived at St James' Park over the weekend and his first assignment will be a pre‑season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday. Speaking about his arrival, Jaissle said, "When Newcastle United comes your way, you take notice.
The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be. I have followed the club's journey closely in recent years and the progress that has been made is clear for everyone to see. I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking.
There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on." Before his successful spell in the Middle East, Jaissle built a strong résumé in Europe. He spent several years with Red Bull Salzburg, where he captured two Austrian Bundesliga titles and a domestic cup, and he also led the Austrian side into the UEFA Champions League knockout phase for the first time in its history. His earlier coaching experience includes a stint in Denmark and a developmental role within the Red Bull academy system, as well as playing days at Hoffenheim before he turned to management. Newcastle's recruitment team described Jaissle as the clear front‑runner after a "thorough, rigorous and confidential" search process.
The club highlighted his reputation for nurturing young talent, constructing high‑intensity, pressing teams, and his alignment with Newcastle’s long‑term strategic goals. Club CEO David Hopkinson added, "His track record of success, leadership qualities and relentless drive to improve make him an exceptional fit for Newcastle United." In a statement posted on the club’s official website, Jaissle reflected on the hectic days surrounding his appointment, noting that honest conversations with decision‑makers helped smooth the transition.
He said, "Joining this marvellous club, with this fan base, is something special and a privilege. The Premier League is something special by itself, but joining this club is even more special. With that fan base, with that passion the supporters show for the club, it's really interesting to be part of it.
It comes as a big privilege, but with big responsibility too. I will do my best to live up to it." Jaissle also addressed the timing of his arrival, acknowledging that taking charge ahead of a high‑profile clash with Liverpool presents a challenge. He emphasized the need for the squad, staff and supporters to work together, stating, "Control the controllables and if everyone is pulling in the same direction – players, staff and fans – it's going to be a really interesting and successful season." On the tactical side, Jaissle described his football philosophy as "front‑footed, aggressive, vertical" and believes it meshes well with Newcastle’s traditional style. He reiterated three core values that have guided his career: trust, respect and pure commitment.
Those principles, he said, will underpin his work with the team. Jaissle’s coaching journey began in the Red Bull system, where he first managed FC Liefering before taking over the senior role at Salzburg in the summer of 2021.
In his debut season he delivered a domestic double, and he retained the league title the following year. While at Salzburg he oversaw the development of players such as Karim Adeyemi and Benjamin Šeško, both of whom made an impact in European competition.
In 2023 he accepted the challenge of moving to Saudi Arabia, signing for Al Ahli and quickly adding the Saudi Super Cup to his trophy cabinet. During his three‑year spell in Saudi Arabia, Jaissle not only collected silverware but also expanded his tactical repertoire, adapting to a different football culture and learning how to manage high‑profile players in a fast‑growing league.
He recently participated in Sky Sports' "Future of Football" series, offering insight into his ideas about the evolution of the game, the importance of data‑driven analysis, and the role of youth development in modern clubs. Looking ahead, Newcastle fans can expect a manager who values intensity, player development and a clear strategic vision. Jaissle’s appointment signals the club’s intention to build on recent progress, challenge for higher league positions and potentially make deeper runs in European competitions. The upcoming friendly against Valencia will provide an early glimpse of his preferred formations and the way he intends to integrate new signings.
With a contract secured until 2027, Jaissle now has ample time to embed his philosophy, shape the squad and deliver on the ambitions set out by the club’s hierarchy. The partnership between a forward‑thinking coach and a passionate fan base could mark the beginning of a new, successful chapter in Newcastle United’s storied history.