Newcastle United has confirmed the appointment of Matthias Jaissle as the club's new head coach, succeeding Eddie Howe. Jaissle has inked a four-year contract with the team, with Newcastle paying £9.5m in compensation to Al Ahli, the Saudi side he previously led to back-to-back Asian Champions League titles. Having joined his new squad over the weekend, Jaissle's inaugural match will be a pre-season friendly against Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday. "The opportunity to join Newcastle United is one you can't ignore," Jaissle stated.
"The club's vision, ambition, and future prospects make this a highly appealing venture. I've been following the club's progress closely and am excited about the future." Before his successful stint in Saudi Arabia, Jaissle won two Austrian Bundesliga titles and a domestic cup with Red Bull Salzburg, guiding them to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Newcastle has described Jaissle as the standout candidate following a thorough recruitment process, highlighting his track record of developing players and building high-intensity teams. "Jaissle's success, leadership, and drive make him an exceptional fit for Newcastle United," said club CEO David Hopkinson.
In an interview with the club's website, Jaissle expressed his excitement about joining the club, stating, "It's a privilege to be part of this marvellous club, with its passionate fan base. The Premier League is special, but joining this club is even more special." The 38-year-old German has a coaching career spanning Denmark, Red Bull Salzburg, and Al Ahli, with a playing career at Hoffenheim.
Jaissle's coaching philosophy emphasizes a front-footed, aggressive, and vertical approach, which he believes aligns perfectly with Newcastle's style.