Matthias Jaissle is set to take the reins at Newcastle United after Eddie Howe’s departure, but many fans may not be familiar with his background. Until now his managerial résumé has been built entirely outside the Premier League, with head‑coaching stints in Austria and Saudi Arabia. So, who exactly is the German tactician stepping onto the St James’ Park touchline? Born in 1985, Jaissle began his footballing career as a midfielder for Hoffenheim, a club that later became synonymous with the Red Bull football network.
After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into coaching, initially working in Denmark before joining the Red Bull academy system at Salzburg. His first senior appointment came at FC Liefering, the feeder side for Red Bull Salzburg, where he honed his philosophy of high‑pressing, quick transitions and a willingness to adapt tactics to the players at his disposal.
In the summer of 2021, at just 36, Jaissle was promoted to the top job at Red Bull Salzburg. In his debut season he guided the Austrian side to a domestic double – the league title and the cup – and then defended the league crown the following year. During his Salzburg tenure he oversaw the development of future stars such as Karim Adeyemi and Benjamin Sesko, and he also led the club into the UEFA Champions League, gaining valuable experience against Europe’s elite.
In 2023 Jaissle accepted a new challenge in the Middle East, signing for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Over the next three years he added the Saudi Super Cup to his trophy cabinet and continued to refine his tactical approach, experimenting with various formations while keeping core principles – aggressive pressing, rapid ball progression and a focus on player versatility – at the heart of his game plan.
Newcastle’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, has repeatedly praised Jaissle, describing him as a "rock star" and emphasizing the shared belief between the club’s hierarchy and the new manager about what Newcastle can become. Hopkinson noted that Jaissle was not simply looking for any job; he was selective, attracted to a project that matched his ambition, and he chose Newcastle because of the club’s potential and its passionate fan base.
"Eddie leaves big shoes to fill, but I have every confidence that Matthias is the right man to lead us forward and build on everything Eddie has achieved," Hopkinson said. Jaissle’s football education is deeply rooted in the Red Bull school of thought, which typically favours a high‑press, vertical style of play. However, he insists he does not want to be pigeon‑holed into a single identity.
While his Salzburg sides often dominated possession, they also displayed a willingness to move the ball forward quickly, blending possession‑based play with direct attacking intent. "You have to develop your game, you have to always make progress," he told Sky Sports, adding that he constantly looks to the world’s top coaches for inspiration and is not afraid to borrow ideas that suit his players. Tactically, Jaissle has shown flexibility.
In Austria he frequently employed a narrow 4‑4‑2, a formation popularised by Ralf Rangnick across Red Bull clubs, with wingers cutting inside to overload the midfield. In Saudi Arabia he switched to a 4‑2‑3‑1, sometimes morphing into a 3‑2‑5 or 2‑3‑5 shape, reflecting the more physical and direct nature of that league.
He stresses that formations are merely tools; the underlying principles of how a team attacks, defends and transitions are far more important. "If the players understand the concepts, you can be tactically flexible and the formation becomes secondary," he explained. Jaissle also highlighted the increasing tactical demands placed on modern players.
He believes today’s footballers must be more involved in the strategic side of the game, understanding the coach’s principles across all phases of play. This, he says, is a significant shift from previous eras where players were given less tactical instruction.
Looking ahead, Jaissle predicts the Premier League will continue to evolve toward greater physicality and dynamism, with set‑pieces gaining even more prominence. He anticipates a rise in "all‑rounders" – defenders who contribute to the attack, forwards who help defensively, and goalkeepers who act as the first line of build‑up. "Goalkeepers are no longer isolated; they must be comfortable with the ball and understand every phase of the game," he noted. Having managed multicultural squads at Salzburg – where players hailed from more than ten different nationalities – Jaissle is accustomed to navigating diverse dressing‑room environments.
He stresses that communication and personal connection form the foundation of effective leadership. "One‑on‑ones and face‑to‑face conversations are vital," he told Sky Sports. He also cautions against information overload, arguing that while a coach may possess extensive tactical knowledge, it is essential to filter what is shared with the players to avoid overwhelming them. In summary, Matthias Jaissle arrives at Newcastle with a proven track record of winning titles, developing young talent, and adapting his tactics to suit the strengths of his squads.
His experience across Europe and the Middle East, combined with a clear philosophical framework that values pressing, versatility and continuous improvement, suggests he could bring a fresh, modern approach to the club. Newcastle supporters can look forward to a manager who respects the club’s recent successes, is eager to build on them, and is prepared to evolve the team’s style to meet the challenges of the Premier League.