Matthias Jaissle has commented on Alexander Isak making his first return to Newcastle United since leaving last summer.
Matthias Jaissle has urged Newcastle United fans to back the team rather than vilifying Alexander Isak.
An emotional occasion at St James’ Park will see the Magpies and Liverpool come together before the game to honour the late Kevin Keegan. However, once the first whistle blows, vitriol will undoubtedly be aimed towards former Toon hero Isak.
The Swede burned all bridges on Tyneside 12 months ago to force through a British record move to Liverpool. A bear pit awaits on the opening day of the season as Isak returns to Newcastle for the first time.
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‘Focus on our lads’ - Matthias Jaissle
Speaking ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser, Jaissle rallied Newcastle fans to get behind the team instead of antagonising the opposition. He said: “I like him a lot, he has pure quality as a player. I don't know him as a human being but our lads will just focus on themselves.
“This is the most important thing. And I also think our fans will focus on our lads, engaging with them, supporting them, that will be the most important thing.”
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Matthias Jaissle doubles down
When asked a second question on Isak, Jaissle added: “I would be pleased when our fans and I believe that they will just follow us and support us as a team.
“Again, I think this energy will be the most important thing, that the players feel that energy from the stands. Then we want to deliver our game, we want to play our way of football, like the Newcastle United fans are expecting, and then we will have a fantastic Sunday evening.”
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